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BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


BOOKS BY NINA RHOADES 

“The Brick House Series 

f » 


ONLY DOLLIE 

Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

New cover design. Large 12mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

THE LITTLE GIRL NEXT DOOR 
Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12 mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

WINIFRED’S NEIGHBORS 

Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

THE CHILDREN ON THE TOP FLOOR 
Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12 mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

HOW BARBARA KEPT HER PROMISE 
Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12 mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

LITTLE MISS ROSAMOND 

Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12 mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

PRISCILLA OF THE DOLL SHOP 
Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 

Large 12 mo 

Cloth 

$1.00 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. 

BOSTON 







“It’s very tiresome your being" only a doll, Dorothea.” 

Page 7. 


BRAVE LITTLE REGGY 


BY 


NINA RHOADES 


M 


Author of '* Priscilla of the Doll Shop,” “ Only Dollie,” “ The Little 
Girl Next Door,” ” The Children on the Top Floor,” “Winifred’s 
Neighbors,” “How Barbara Kept Her Promise,” 
and “ Marion’s Vacation ” 


ILLUSTRATED BY 
BERTHA DAVIDSON HOXIE 



BOSTON 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. 


Published, August, 1908 






library of CONGRESS 

Two CoDles Heceivbv* 

JUN 5 1908 

VVOXiftfU 

ooPr 


cmr> 

III 


Copyright, 1908 

BY Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. 


Rights Reserved 


Brave Little Peggy 



NORWOOD PRESS 


BERWICK & SMITH CO. 
Norwood, Mass. 

U. S. A. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER page 

I Peggy 7 

II The Changes Begin 27 

III The Oriole’s Nest 38 

IV Aunt Mary Changes Her Mind 51 

V Peggy Starts for the East 64 

VI Miss Lee has a Surprise 78 

VII Peggy Unpacks and Makes Acquaintances 94 

VIII A Disappointment and a Fright . . . .119 

IX Friends to the Rescue 136 

X Peggy Writes a Letter 148 

XI The Winklers Come to Call 164 

XII Peggy Overhears a Conversation . . , .182 

XIII Trouble at the Winklers’ 194 

XIV Edith’s Birthday 214 

XV Peggy’s Quest 235 

XVI Peggy Comes Home 249 



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ILLUSTRATIONS 


“It’s Very Tiresome Your Being Only a Doll, 

Dorothea ” (Page 7) Frontispiece 

FACING PAGE 

“ You Wicked Children, Stop this Minute !” . 48' 

“ Hello, Kiddie, What’s the Matter . 84 , 

The Children Seated Themselves on the Curb 

TO Rest 108 

“ Save Me, Save Me !” 134 

Minna Emerged from the Trunk Closet ... 174 

“Please, Mr. Policeman, Will You Tell Me 

Where I Can Find a Hospital?” .... 240 

“ You Mean You’re Going to Marry Edith ?” 

She Cried, Eagerly 


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BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


CHAPTER I 

PEGGY 

I THINK it’s the most beautiful letter any- 
body ever had, don’t you, Dorothea ? ” 
There were tears of joy and pride in 
Peggy’s brown eyes, and her dark little face was 
flushed with excitement, as she tenderly folded 
her letter, and replaced it in her pocket, but 
Dorothea stared straight before her with her 
expressionless blue eyes, and made no response. 

It’s very tiresome your being only a doll, 
Dorothea,” Peggy went on, with a sigh, lifting 
the big French doll from the bench beside her 
into her lap. If you could only talk there 
are so many questions I should like to ask you. 
You’ve seen her — just think, Dorothea, you’ve 
actually seen her — and yet you can’t tell me a 
single thing about her. I want so much to 
know what she said the day she bought you. 
7 


8 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Vm sure she chose you because you were the 
prettiest doll in the store. She’s beautiful her- 
self, I know that from her picture, but I do want 
to know how she talks, and whether she’s always 
smiling the way she does in the photograph. 
I suppose she always wears pretty dresses, 
though of course she didn’t have much money 
to buy them with till after Uncle Henry died. 
Grandma says it was very kind of Uncle Henry 
to take Harry and Edith to live with him after 
papa and mamma were drowned, but he didn’t 
believe in giving young people too much money 
to spend, so Edith had to make some of her own 
clothes. She’s got everything she wants now, 
because you know, Dorothea, Uncle Henry left 
all his money to Harry and Edith, and they’ve 
got a lovely home in Montclair, New Jersey. 
You never saw that because you came straight 
from the toy store in New York, but I shall 
see it some day when I go to visit them, and 
perhaps if you’re very good I’ll take you with 
me. 

paused, but Dorothea’s countenance 
remained immovable, and after a moment she 
went on again. 

I do wonder what Montclair, New Jersey, 
is like. It’s very different from California I 


PEGGY 


Q 


know, because grandma says so. Grandma 
doesn’t like the East, but my mamma always 
lived there, and so did I till I was four. I can’t 
remember much about it, but I know there 
weren’t any orange groves or palm trees, and 
sometimes it was very cold. O dear ! here 
comes Maud, and now I’ve got to amuse her. 
Maud is such a difficult person to amuse.” 

Dorothea was gently replaced on the garden 
bench, and Peggy, not without reluctance, but 
mindful of her duties as hostess, went forward 
to meet her cousin, who was coming slowly 
across the lawn. 

Maud had blue eyes and long yellow curls, 
and Peggy regarded her with secret envy, blue 
eyes and golden hair being the two things she 
desired most on earth, but just now Maud was 
not looking particularly happy. There was a 
discontented expression in the blue eyes, and her 
lips were drawn in an unmistakable pout. 

‘‘ Fraulein says we mustn’t play near the 
house or make any noise,” she announced, as 
Peggy joined her. Grandma’s asleep, and 
they don’t want to have her disturbed.” 

Peggy looked troubled. 

She isn’t any worse, is she?” she inquired, 
anxiously. 


10 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


** I don't know. Mamma and the nurse were 
whispering in the hall, and mamma told me to 
run away and play with you. I don't see what 
we're to play, though, if we're not to make any 
noise." 

“ People don't always have to make a noise 
when they play," said Peggy, cheerfully. “ I 
know lots of nice quiet games." 

Oh, you like to play with dolls and rubbish 
like that," retorted Maud, with a contemptuous 
glance in the direction of the unconscious Doro- 
thea. ‘‘ I do think the way you sit and talk to 
that silly old doll, just as if she understood what 
you said, is too silly for anything. You're only 
six months younger than I am, and I haven't 
touched a doll in ever so many years." 

“ You're not eleven yet," said Peggy, flush- 
ing, ‘‘ and I mean to play with dolls till I'm four- 
teen. Fraulein says little girls in Germany al- 
ways play with dolls, and they embroider and 
do all kinds of fancy work while their mothers 
or their governesses read aloud to them." 

“ Fraulein's an old stupid," returned Maud, 
stretching herself on the soft grass at the foot 
of a tall palm tree. ‘‘ I wouldn't have her for 
my governess for the world; she hasn't a bit of 
fun in her. She looks shocked if she sees me 


PEGGY 


II 


climb a fence. I wonder what she’d say if she 
saw some of the things the boys and I do at 
home.” 

Does your governess let you climb fences ? ” 
Peggy inquired with interest. 

She hasn’t anything to say about it. Papa 
and mamma never allow us to be interfered with. 
We never keep a governess very long, anyway; 
we had three last year.” 

And aren’t you ever punished ? ” Peggy 
questioned, her brown eyes opening wide with 
astonishment. 

‘‘ Hardly ever. Charlie did have to go with- 
out dessert the day he nearly put old Mrs. Jack- 
son’s eye out with his bean shooter, but that 
was an exception. Mrs. Jackson is an old lady 
who lives next door to us, and she’s always 
fussing and making complaints about our boys, 
so one day when she was watering her flowers 
Charlie climbed the fence and aimed his bean 
shooter at her just for fun. Of course he didn’t 
mean to hit her in the eye, but she turned her 
head just at the wrong minute, and my, but 
there was a row ! 

I should think there would have been,” said 
Peggy, feelingly. Did Charlie feel dread- 
fully about it?” 


12 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


’ Oh, he was pretty scared, and Miss Harris, 
the governess we had then, said if Mrs. Jack- 
son went blind she might sue us for damages, 
but she got all right in a few days, and then we 
were rather glad it had happened, for we 
thought it served her right for being such a dis- 
agreeable old thing. Mamma said she made a 
great deal of unnecessary fuss, anyway ; she 
might have known Charlie didn’t mean to hurt 
her.” 

“ I suppose one reason you don’t care about 
dolls is because you haven’t any sisters and al- 
ways played with boys,” said Peggy, reflectively. 
She would have liked to express her opinion of 
Charlie’s conduct, but feared it would not be 
just the thing to do so. Maud was a visitor, 
and grandma had taught her always to be polite 
to visitors. 

'' I hate girls’ games,” was Maud’s uncom- 
promising answer. ‘‘ Say, what are we going 
to do this afternoon ? ” she added, impatiently. 

Peggy hesitated. 

‘‘We might go for a walk,” she suggested 
doubtfully. “ It’s lovely down in the grove, and 
grandma wouldn’t mind our going there by our- 
selves. We might find some ripe oranges.” 

“ I’ve eaten so many oranges since I came 


PEGGY 


13 


here that I feel as if I never wanted to taste 
another one,” said Maud, discontentedly. ‘‘ I 
wish you had a pony I could ride.” 

“ I wish I had,” said Peggy. Grandma is 
going to buy me a nice gentle pony this sum- 
mer. Dr. Scott says it’s time I learned to ride, 
but grandma’s so afraid I might get hurt.” 

Oh, what a fuss-cat ! ” exclaimed Maud in 
a tone of infinite scorn. “ Why, I’ve ridden 
ever since I was five. My pony threw me over 
his head once, 'and my arm was broken, but I 
was on his back again the very next day, driv- 
ing with one hand.” 

You must be very brave,” said Peggy, with 
a look of such genuine admiration that Maud 
looked quite mollified. 

I guess we are a pretty brave family,” she 
remarked placidly, “ but then you are a dreadful 
coward, you know, so you can’t judge.” 

The color deepened in Peggy’s cheeks and her 
eyes drooped. 

“ I’m afraid I am,” she admitted reluctantly. 
‘‘ I know it’s dreadfully silly, but I can’t help 
being afraid of a good many things; the dark, 
and fierce dogs, and earthquakes.” 

‘‘ You come and stay with us and we’ll soon 
cure you,” said Maud, with a superior smile. 


14 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


A boy visited us who was an awful coward, 
but Dick and Charlie never gave him a min- 
ute’s peace till they’d cured him. He’s really 
quite a decent sort of boy now.” 

I don’t think I should like ” began 

Peggy, then checked herself, and added hast- 
ily — 

‘‘ Perhaps you would like to have me read 
Edith’s letter to you; it’s very interesting.” 

‘‘ What, that old letter you got ever so many 
days ago! Haven’t you torn it up yet?” 

I never tear up Edith’s letters,” said Peggy, 
indignantly. “ I’ve got every one she ever 
wrote me, all put away in a box. Why, just 
think, Maud, she’s my own precious sister, and 
I haven’t seen her since I»was four. If you 
hadn’t seen one of your brothers since you were 
four wouldn’t you keep all his letters ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t believe he’d write. Boys hate writ- 
ing, and so do 1.” 

‘‘Yes I suppose they do hate it,” Peggy ad- 
mitted. “ My brother never writes to me, but 
Edith does, such lovely letters.” 

“ Does she write very often ? ” Maud inquired. 

“ Ye-es, at least pretty often. You see, she’s 
a very fashionable young lady, and of course 
she has to be pretty busy.” 


PEGGY 


15 


‘‘ Why doesn’t she ever come to see you, or 
have you go and stay with her ? ” 

‘‘ I think she would like to see me very much, 
but it’s a very long way to Montclair, New Jer- 
sey, and it costs a great deal of money, too. 
Grandma says I shall go some day when I’m 
older, and it’s the loveliest thing to think about.” 

‘‘ Why didn’t you all live together after your 
father and mother were drowned?” Maud in- 
quired, with a yawn. 

Don’t you know — didn’t you ever hear about 
it?” 

No, I guess not, or if I did, I’ve forgotten.” 
‘‘ Well,” said Peggy, settling herself comfort- 
ably by her cousin’s side, and charmed to have 
at last found a subject in which Maud seemed 
to be interested ; “ you see when my papa left col- 
lege he went to live in New York. My mamma 
had always lived there and she didn’t think 
she’d like California, so after they were mar- 
ried papa always stayed in the East. They 
came here to see grandma sometimes, and once 
she went to New York to visit them, but that 
was before I was bom. Harry and Edith are a 
great deal older than I am, and so when I came 
every one was very glad. They used to pet me 
a great deal, and grandma says I was very much 


i6 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

spoiled. Then, when I was four papa and 
mamma went yachting with some friends, and 
there was a dreadful storm, and the yacht went 
on a rock, and they were both drowned. It was 
very sad, and every one was sorry for us. 
Uncle Henry — he was mamma’s uncle, who had 
brought her up when she was a little girl — said 
he would take Harry and Edith, but grandma 
wanted me, because I was the youngest and was 
named for her. She came all the way to New 
York for me herself and brought me home with 
her. My papa didn’t have very much money, 
and when he died there was only a very little 
left for us. Uncle Henry sent Edith to board- 
ing-school, and Harry to college, and when he 
died last year he left them all his money.” 

Do you suppose grandma will leave you all 
her money when she dies ? ” inquired Maud. 

I don’t know, I’m sure, and I don’t care. 
Grandma isn’t very old; she won’t have to die 
for ever so many years.” 

“ She isn’t so old, but she’s very ill, mamma 
says. I heard her telling Fraulein that she 
would never have come all the way from San 
Francisco, and left papa and the boys, if she 
hadn’t been so worried about grandma.” 


PEGGY 


17 


The troubled expression came back into Peg- 
gy's face, and her lip trembled. 

People don’t have to die just because they’re 
ill,” she said. ‘‘ I was very ill when I had the 
measles, and I got well all right. Grandma’s 
ever so much better, too; she told me so this 
morning.” 

Well, they won’t let me go into her room, so 
I can’t tell whether she’s better or not. Mamma 
says she thinks it very strange that grandma 
never asks to see me.” 

Peggy looked rather embarrassed. 

Well, you see,” she said apologetically, “ I 
suppose grandma’s head aches, and that makes 
her nervous, and then, Maud, you know you are 
rather restless; you don’t like keeping still.” 

‘‘ Of course I don’t, but mamma says that 
isn’t any reason why she shouldn’t be just as 
fond of me as she is of you. She’s my grandma 
the same as she’s yours, anyway.” 

Peggy was silent; there really seemed noth- 
ing to say, and after a little pause Maud changed 
the subject by remarking — 

Is that Edith’s photograph on your bu- 
reau ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, she sent it to me for my birthday, in 


i8 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

that lovely silver frame. Isn’t she the prettiest 
young lady you ever saw? ” 

‘‘ She’s pretty good-looking,” Maud admitted. 

I don’t believe she’d want to be bothered with 
you, though. Grown-up young ladies don’t care 
much about children. My friend Olive Morti- 
mer has two grown-up sisters, and they won’t 
let her come into their room for fear she’ll med- 
dle with their things, and they make an awful 
fuss about her coming to the table when they 
have company.” 

My sister isn’t like that,” declared Peggy, 
confidently. Do let me read you her letter, 
and you’ll see how sweet and dear she is.” 

Oh, all right, go ahead,” returned Maud, 
indifferently, and Peggy, gladly availing her- 
self of the permission, drew from her pocket the 
crumpled letter, the contents of which she al- 
ready knew almost by heart. 

“ ' Montclair, New Jersey, 

, ‘ April Tenth. 

'' ' My Precious Pussy-cat, — 

She always calls me Pussy-cat in her let- 
ters,” Peggy explained. I think it’s a sweet 
name, don’t you ? ” 

It sounds awfully silly but go on.” 


PEGGY 


19 


‘‘ ‘ I am a real mean, unkind old sister to 
leave your dear little letter unanswered for such 
a long time, and I am really quite ashamed of 
myself. You ought to punish me by not writ- 
ing again for ever so long, but I know you won’t 
do that, because you know, that even if I don’t 
write as often as I ought, I am loving you all 
the time. 

' I am a very busy person in these days, for 
I have the housekeeping to attend to, as well 
as my social engagements to keep. We have 
such a dear little house. I am going to ask 
Harry to take a photograph of it for you. 
There is a pretty little yard in front, and a stable 
in the back. We haven’t any horse to keep in 
the stable as yet, but if Harry goes on doing as 
well as he is now, we may have one some day. 
The trees are budding now, and in a few weeks 
it will be beautiful here. I suppose it is always 
beautiful in California, so you don’t appreciate 
the Spring as much as we do. By the way, 
thank you for the pressed flowers you sent me. 
They are very nice, and I have put them in a 
book. 

‘ I have the cushion you made me for Christ- 
mas on my bureau. I think you were very 
clever to make it all by yourself. I am sure 


20 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


I couldn’t have done such fine work when I was 
ten. Harry was delighted with his handker- 
chief-case, too. He told me to be sure to thank 
you for him when I wrote. 

‘‘ ‘ I am so glad you liked the doll I sent, and 
I think Dorothea is a very pretty name for her. 
There are not many children in this neighbor- 
hood, so I can’t tell you about the little girls 
I know, as you asked me to, but I like children 
very much, and I think they rather like me, too. 
Some day we must coax grandma to let you 
come and make us a visit, and then we will have 
such good times together. 

‘‘ ‘ I must stop writing, as I am going out to 
luncheon, but I really will write again soon 
next time. Give our love to grandma, and tell 
her how sorry we are to hear she has not been 
well. And now good-bye, my Pussy-cat, with 
a big kiss, and a heart full of love from 

“ ‘ Your naughty, neglectful, but ever-loving 
sister, ‘‘ ‘ Edith Lee.’ 

There,” said Peggy, triumphantly, ‘‘ isn’t 
that a beautiful letter?” 

‘‘ It’s nice enough,” Mand admitted, but 
seems to me April’s rather late to thank people 
for their Christmas presents.” 


PEGGY 


21 


Oh, well, you see, they were such little bits 
of presents, and she’s so very busy. She wrote 
just before Christmas, and she sent me Doro- 
thea. Harry sent me a Christmas present, too, 
such a pretty pin. I thought it was lovely of 
him, and so did grandma. Oh, here comes 
Fraulein; sha’n’t we ask her to read to us? ” 

I hate reading,” objected Maud. I never 
look at a book unless I have to, but it’s so stupid 
here I suppose I might as well listen as do any- 
thing else.” 

But when Fraulein joined the children there 
was a look in her face which caused Peggy to 
forget all about everything else. 

‘‘What’s the matter, Fraulein?” she de- 
manded, anxiously, springing to her feet. 
“ Has anything happened ? ” 

“ No, no, my child,” the governess answered, 
laying her hand gently on the little girl’s head, 
“ nothing has happened, but your grandmother 
is awake and has asked for you.” 

“Does she want to see me too, Fraulein?” 
Maud inquired, eagerly. 

Fraulein shook her head. 

“Not just now, my dear,” she said; “per- 
haps by and by. Wait here for Peggy; she will 
only be a few moments away.” 


22 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGy 


Then she took Peggy’s hand, and led her 
quickly across the lawn and into the house. The 
little girl’s heart was beating fast, and at the 
foot of the broad oak staircase she drew back 
nervously. 

“Is grandma worse, Fraulein?” she asked in 
a frightened whisper. 

“ We hope not, my child. She has had a 
faint turn, and Miss Brown has telephoned for 
the doctor, but we trust it may be nothing se- 
rious.” 

Peggy asked no more questions, but held 
Fraulein’s hand tight, and without another word 
they went upstairs, and entered the room which 
for as long as Peggy could remember had al- 
ways been grandma’s. 

Old Mrs. Lee was lying in her bed, breath- 
ing heavily. Her daughter, Mrs. Eliot — 
Maud’s mother — stood by the bedside fanning 
her, while Miss Brown, the trained nurse, held 
a glass of something to her lips. Grandma’s 
face looked white and drawn, but at sight of 
Peggy she smiled faintly, and tried to hold out 
her hand. 

“ My little Peggy,” she murmured softly ; 
“ grandma’s own little girl.” 

Aunt Mary and Miss Brown both moved 


PEGGY 


23 


aside, and with a heart beating so fast that she 
could scarcely breathe Peggy came close to the 
bed. 

*‘Kiss her, dear,’’ Aunt Mary whispered, 
and the little girl bent down and pressed her 
warm rosy lips to the cold pale face on the 
pillow. 

“ Do you feel better, grandma dear ? ” she 
asked in a shaking voice. Oh, I do hope you 
feel better.” 

Yes, yes, my darling, I am better,” the old 
lady answered. God bless you, Peggy ; good 
night.” 

Why, grandma, it isn’t nearly bedtime ; it’s 
only five o’clock.” 

‘‘ Never mind, dear,” Miss Brown interrupted 
gently. Your grandma may be asleep when it 
is your bedtime. Now run away like a good 
child.” 

But Peggy lingered. 

‘‘ Wouldn’t you like to kiss Maud good 
night, too, grandma ? ” she asked, timidly. 

But Mrs. Lee did not answer. She had closed 
her eyes, and turned her face to the wall, and 
before Peggy could speak again Fraulein had 
taken her hand, and was leading her from the 


room. 


24 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Once outside her grandmother’s room Peggy’s 
feelings found vent in a burst of tears. 

“ Oh, Fraulein, Fraulein,” she sobbed, cling- 
ing convulsively to the governess, “ I know 
grandma’s worse. She says she’s better, but 
Fm quite sure she isn’t, and oh, Fm so dread- 
fully frightened ! ” 

Fraulein sat down on the stairs, and taking 
Peggy in her kind arms, kissed and comforted 
her until her tears ceased, and she was able to 
smile again. Then Fraulein proposed that they 
should go to find Maud, who must be feeling 
lonely all by herself. 

They found that young lady seated among 
the branches of a cherry tree, which she had 
climbed, but after a little persuasion on Frau- 
lein’s part, she consented to descend to earth 
once more, and listen to a story book until sup- 
per time. 

Neither Aunt Mary nor Miss Brown came 
down to supper, and the two little girls had it 
alone with Fraulein, who told them fairy stor- 
ies, and did her best to keep them amused and 
happy. The doctor had arrived from town, and 
Peggy, who firmly believed that doctors could 
do anything in the way of curing people, was 
quite reassured about her grandmother’s condi- 


PEGGY 


25 


tion, and by the time supper was over she had 
cheered up sufficiently to enjoy a game of domi- 
noes with Fraulein and Maud. 

I am sure grandma will be ever so much 
better in the morning,” were Peggy’s last words 
that night, as Fraulein was tucking her up in 
bed; to which assertion Fraulein made no an- 
swer, but turned her head away quickly that the 
little girl might not see the tears in her eyes. 

Peggy’s first thought on waking next morn- 
ing was of her grandmother, and she sat up in 
bed, listening anxiously for any unusual sounds 
in the house. But everything was very still and 
peaceful. Outside the birds were singing and 
twittering, and through the open window came 
the fragrance of blossoms. 

Springing out of bed, Peggy ran across the 
floor in her bare feet, and knocked at the door 
of Fraulein’s room, which communicated with 
her own. There was no answer, and after wait- 
ing a moment, she softly turned the handle and 
peeped in. The room was empty; Fraulein was 
not there. 

How very queer,” Peggy said to herself. 
‘‘ She never likes to get up early, and I don’t 
believe it’s seven o’clock yet. I wonder where 
she can be.” 


26 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


With a sudden determination to find out for 
herself, she hastened to the closet in quest of 
wrapper and bath slippers, and she had just 
finished putting them on when the door was 
pushed violently open from the outside, and 
Maud, still in her night-gown and bare feet, her 
eyes round with excitement, burst into the room. 

Oh, Fm so glad you're awake," she ex- 
claimed in an awed whisper, closing the door be- 
hind her, and springing into the warm bed her 
cousin had just vacated. ‘‘ Mamma says Fm 
to stay here, and we’re neither of us to come out 
till she or Fraulein tells us we can. Oh, Peggy, 
isn’t it awful? Fm so scared." 

‘‘How’s grandma?” demanded Peggy, a sud- 
den fear making her feel cold and faint. 

Maud’s eyes opened wider still in her sur- 
prise. 

“ Don’t you know ? ” she inquired incredu- 
lously. “ Haven’t they told you ? ” 

“ No,” faltered Peggy; “ I just woke up. Oh, 
Maud, is grandma worse ? ” - 

“ She’s dead,” said Maud solemnly. “ She 
died last night, but they didn’t want to wake us. 
They’ve telegraphed for papa, and the funeral’s 
to be day after to-morrow.” 


CHAPTER II 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


P EGGY, Peggy, where are you ? ’’ 

At the sound of Maud’s shrill voice 
Peggy lifted her head from the sofa 
cushion. She had been crying quietly for the 
past half-hour in a corner of the library sofa, 
and her head was beginning to ache. 

“ I’m here,” she called, huskily, and next mo- 
ment Maud came running into the room. 

‘‘What have you been doing?” she de- 
manded, impatiently. “ I’ve been looking 
everywhere for you.” 

“I’ve been — oh, I don’t know; I just came in 
here because it was quiet. I’ve got a headache.” 

“ That’s too bad, but I guess it’ll be all right 
when you come outdoors. I’ve been having 
such larks with Li-Chang. He’s the funniest 
little China boy I ever saw. I bet I could beat 
him in a race down to the end of the grove, and 
I did, too. It was great fun, but mamma saw 
27 


28 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


me, and called me in. She said I oughtn’t to 
run races the day after grandma’s funeral, and 
then she told me the most interesting news. 
Guess what it is ! ” 

“ I can’t,” said Peggy, indifferently. She was 
rather shocked at Maud’s frank admission of 
how she had been amusing herself. She did not 
feel in the least like romping that day. 

We’re all coming here to spend the sum- 
mer,” announced Maud, triumphantly. 

Peggy gave a little gasp. This was news in- 
deed, and for the moment she scarcely knew 
whether she ought to be glad or sorry. She 
rather liked Maud, in spite of her hoydenish 
ways, and Aunt Mary and Uncle George were 

always kind, but Dick and Charlie She 

remembered the one occasion when Aunt Mary 
had brought her two little boys for a visit, and 
how at the end of a week grandma — who was 
not very fond of boys — had requested that they 
should be sent home again. 

‘‘ Mamma has been telling me all about it,” 
Maud went on, without observing her cousin’s 
dismay. '' She and papa are going home on 
Monday to pack, and I’m to stay here with you 
and Fraulein. Then at the end of the week 
mamma’s coming back with the boys and some 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


29 


of the servants, and papa will come as often 
as he can get away from his business.’^ 

“ Do you think you will like to stay here all 
summer?^' Peggy inquired anxiously, recalling 
her cousin’s oft-repeated complaints about the 
dullness of her grandmother’s home. 

‘‘ Oh, yes, I guess so ; it will be all right when 
the boys come, and I can have some fun. Papa 
is going to send the ponies, and this isn’t such 
a bad place when you get used to it.” 

Will your governess come too ? ” Peggy 
asked. 

‘‘ Oh, Miss Leroy, the governess we have now, 
is going to leave. Papa had a row with her 
since mamma and I have been here. She shook 
Charlie — think of that; actually shook him — and 
papa and mamma never allow us to be punished 
in that way.” 

Was Charlie very naughty ? ” Peggy in- 
quired, with interest. 

'' No, not very. He didn’t want to stay in the 
house and study, and when she told him he had 
to, he put out his tongue at her; that’s all. She 
hadn’t any business to shake him for a little 
thing like that. Papa told her he never allowed 
any one to punish us, and she said she would 
leave at the end of the month. Mamma isn’t 


30 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


very sorry. She says she never thought Miss 
Leroy was a very good teacher, and as long as 
Fraulein is here there won’t be any trouble, as 
she can just as well teach us all. I think that 
will be fine. Fraulein’s so meek, I don’t believe 
she could possibly boss any one.” 

I don’t believe she would like it if Charlie 
put his tongue out at her, though,” said Peggy, 
doubtfully. ‘‘ Does he often do things like 
that?” 

‘‘ Oh, no. Charlie’s very good, except when 
people won’t let him have his own way. We’re 
all like that; we can’t bear being made to do 
things.” 

But don’t all children have to mind ? ” in- 
quired Peggy, wonderingly. ‘‘ I always had to 
mind grandma and Fraulein.” 

‘‘ Oh, of course they do sometimes ; in big 
things, you know, like running in front of trol- 
lies, or going in sail-boats when it’s rough; but 
not little nagging things, like washing hands and 
learning lessons. Papa says he won’t have us 
nagged.” 

It must be very nice to always do just what 
you want to,” said Peggy, ‘‘ but grandma said 
children must be brought up to mind.” 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


31 


‘‘ Grandma was an old fuss/' retorted Maud, 
cheerfully. “ Papa said she was." 

“ She was not," cried Peggy, springing to her 
feet, with flashing eyes and burning cheeks. 
“ You sha’n't say such things about my own prec- 
ious grandma. She was the very best lady in 
the world, and Pm glad she made me mind. I 
don't believe children who don't mind are at all 
nice, so there ! " 

‘‘ Well, I declare, if you haven't got a tem- 
per ! " exclaimed Maud, her eyes opening wide 
in genuine astonishment. “ Pd be ashamed to 
fly out like that just for nothing at all." 

“ It isn't nothing at all. It's very wicked to 
say things about people when they're dead, and 
besides, it isn't true. Oh, grandma, grandma ! " 
And poor little Peggy broke down completely, 
and rushed out of the room, crying as if her 
heart would break. 

Half blinded by tears and rage, the little girl 
stumbled in through the hall until she ran plump 
into her aunt, who had just come down stairs. 

“ Peggy, my dear child," remonstrated Aunt 
Mary gently ; ‘‘ why don't you look where you 
are going? Why, what's the matter, dear — ■ 
what are you crying about ? " 


32 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


It’s Maud,” sobbed Peggy, her indignation 
rising again at sight of Maud’s mother. “ She’s 
a wicked girl, and — and I don’t want her to stay 
here all summer.” 

‘‘ Peggy!” There was reproof as well as as- 
tonishment in Aunt Mary’s tone now. 

Peggy’s eyes drooped. For the first time she 
remembered grandma’s instructions about being 
polite to visitors. 

“ I — I don’t mean that exactly,” she faltered 
penitently, “ but, oh. Aunt Mary, she did say 
such dreadful things, and I was so angry.” 

‘‘ What did she say ? ” Mrs. Eliot inquired 
anxiously. She was a gentle, timid little wo- 
man, and as Maud said, generally let her children 
do about as they liked. 

Peggy hesitated. 

‘‘ I don’t think — that is, perhaps I ought not 
to tell you,” she said. Wouldn’t it be telling 
tales?” 

Mrs. Eliot looked relieved. 

‘‘ Perhaps it would,” she said smiling. At 
any rate, I won’t ask, but, Peggy dear, I am very 
sorry to see you have such a temper. Maud 
has her faults, but she never gets in a rage. 
Now run off and play. You little cousins must 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


33 


be great friends, you know, because you are 
going to live together now.” 

‘‘Am I to live with you in San Francisco?” 
Peggy inquired, her lip beginning to tremble 
again. 

“Yes; we shall probably go back there next 
autumn, but we are all coming here to spend 
the summer. Won’t you be glad to have Maud 
and Dick and Charlie to play with ? ” 

“ I don’t know,” said Peggy, doubtfully. 
“ I never had any children to play with, and I 
didn’t mind. When you go back to San Fran- 
cisco, can’t I stay here with Fraulein? I al- 
ways lived here.” 

“ I know you did, dear, but changes have to 
come in all our lives, and now that dear grandma 
isn’t here any longer, of course you must live 
with us. This house will be yours when you 
are older, because grandma has left it to you 
in her will, but little girls always live with their 
relations, you know.” 

“ Then why can’t I go and live with Edith 
and Harry? They’re my relations.” 

“ Because they are too young to be burdened 
with the care of a little girl. It is more natural 
that you should stay with us, and have children 


34 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


of your own age to play with. Now run away, 
and don’t ask any more questions, for I am very 
busy. Go and find Maud, and tell her you are 
sorry you quarrelled with her.” 

‘‘ Mayn’t I go upstairs and stay with Frau- 
lein? I’m afraid I don’t feel very sorry yet, 
but perhaps I shall by and by.” 

‘‘ Oh, go anywhere you like, only don’t sulk. 
Nobody likes a sulky little girl, you know.” 
And Aunt Mary hurried away, leaving her lit- 
tle niece to her own devices. 

Peggy found Fraulein in the school-room, 
writing letters, but at sight of her little pupil she 
looked up with a kind smile, and at her first 
words the child’s grief broke forth afresh. 

I want grandma — oh, Fraulein, I do want 
her so much,” sobbed the poor little girl, fling- 
ing herself into Fraulein’s arms, and the gov- 
erness, understanding better than Aunt Mary, 
soothed and comforted her until she was calm 
again. 

Do you know about what’s going to happen, 
Fraulein ? ” Peggy asked, when the tears had 
been dried, and she was sitting comfortably 
curled up in Fraulein’s lap. All the Eliots are 
coming here to spend the summer.” 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


3S 


‘‘ I know, dearest ; your aunt has told me.’' 

“ And aren’t you sorry ? ” 

Fraulein smiled and shook her head. 

'‘We must not be sorry,” she said, cheerfully, 
" for it will be pleasant for you to have the lit- 
tle cousins to play with. It will keep you from 
being too lonely without the dear grandmother.” 

“ I sha’n’t like it at all,” said Peggy ; " I’m 
quite sure I sha’n’t. You weren’t here the time 
Dick and Charlie came before, and you don’t 
know what horrid boys they are. Dick is the 
biggest; he’s twelve, but Charlie is just as bad, 
though he’s only nine. They teased my kitty, 
and smashed one of the plate glass windows in 
the conservatory, and broke down grandma’s 
flowers. We were so uncomfortable while they 
were here, and grandma stayed in bed a whole 
day after they went away.” 

Fraulein laughed. 

" Perhaps they have improved,” she said, en- 
couragingly. " Let us hope they have if they 
are to be my pupils. Now suppose we go down- 
stairs and find Maud. She must be lonely all 
by herself.” 

Peggy rose reluctantly. 

'T suppose we’ve got to,” she said, with a 


36 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


sigh, “but I don’t feel one bit like playing to- 
day. Did your heart ever feel as if it had the 
toothache, Fraulein?” 

“ It has indeed felt that way, my darling,” 
said Fraulein, and bending down, she kissed the 
wistful little face very tenderly. 

Maud was swinging disconsolately in the 
hammock on the piazza. She evidently bore no 
malice, for at sight of her cousin her face bright- 
ened, and she greeted Peggy quite as if nothing 
had happened. 

“ Say, Peggy,” she called cheerfully ; “ there’s 
the prettiest bird in that tree at the end of the 
piazza. I think he must have a nest there.” 

“ He has,” said Peggy, much relieved by her 
cousin’s evident intention to ignore past differ- 
ences. “ They are a pair of orioles, and there 
are five eggs in the nest. Fraulein says we 
mustn’t make too much noise, or we may 
frighten them away. I love birds, don’t you ? ” 

“ Oh, pretty well. We mustn’t let the boys 
find out about that nest, or they’ll steal the eggs. 
Charlie is making a collection, and he pounces 
on every nest he finds.” 

“ What a cruel boy ! ” began Peggy. Then 
checked herself, and added with an effort 

“ I’ll play horse if you want me to — that is. 


THE CHANGES BEGIN 


37 


unless you’d just as lief play with the dolls.” 

“ I hate dolls, but horse is all right. Come 
along.” And Maud sprang out of the hammock 
with alacrity. 

Maud,” said Peggy, half an hour later, when 
the two little girls, hot and breathless from their 
romp, had seated themselves in the shade of a 
palm tree to rest ; “ Aunt Mary told me to tell you 
I was sorry we quarrelled, but I didn’t do it, 
because I wasn’t sorry then. I don’t think I’m 
exactly sorry now, but I’ll say so if you want 
me to.” 

Oh, I don’t care,” returned Maud, good- 
naturedly ; “ you needn’t if you don’t want to, 
and maybe I oughtn’t have said that about 
grandma, because she’s dead. It’s true just the 
same, though. Oh, there goes Li-Chang ; I 
want to ask him something.” And away flew 
Maud, quite unconscious of the fact that, at her 
last words Peggy’s color had risen again, and 
her eyes were flashing. 


CHAPTER III 


THE oriole’s nest 

I SUPPOSE boys must be good for some- 
thing, or God wouldn’t have made them, 
because you said everything He made was 
good for something, even snakes and mosqui- 
toes ; but they are dreadfully disagreeable things 
to have in the house.” 

Peggy made this statement in a tone of weary 
conviction, as she flung herself into the big 
school-room rocker, and scrubbed her heated 
brow with her handkerchief. Fraulein looked 
up from her sewing and laughed, notwithstand- 
ing the fact that she herself was not feeling par- 
ticularly cheerful that morning. Three trouble- 
some pupils had been added to her many other 
cares, and life was not proving either easy or 
agreeable. But Fraulein was a brave little wo- 
man, and there were her mother and invalid sis- 
ter to be considered, so she smiled in spite of the 

heartache, and inquired cheerfully 

38 


THE ORIOLE’S NEST 


39 


** What have you been doing to make you so 
warm? I heard so much noise that I thought 
you must all be having a merry time together.” 

** Maybe the others thought it was fun, but I 
didn’t,” said Peggy, mournfully. Oh, Frau- 
lein dear, I do wish Dick and Charlie hadn’t 
come. I was getting quite fond of Maud, and 
she was beginning to like me a little, too, but 
ever since day before yesterday, when the boys 
came, she hasn’t been any good at all. She 
wants to romp all the time, and because it makes 
my side ache to run fast they all laugh at me. 
Then Dick teases so. He dared me to climb a 
cherry tree, and when I said I wouldn’t do it 
for anything in the world, he called me a ’f raid- 
cat. Then the others laughed. I think it was 
very rude indeed.” 

‘‘ I do not believe your cousins mean to be 
unkind to you,” said Fraulein, suppressing a 
sigh, but they are very wild and untrained. 
Perhaps they will behave better after they have 
settled down.” 

‘‘ No, they won’t,” said Peggy, with convic- 
tion. Maud says they’re always like this, and 
Aunt Mary can’t make them mind at all. I 
thought fathers and mothers always made their 
children mind.” 


40 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Children should obey their parents/’ said 
Fraulein, evading a direct reply. 

“ That’s what grandma said, and I always had 
to mind her, but the Eliots don’t mind Aunt 
Mary at all. I used to think grandma was 
strict sometimes, but I guess it’s better to be a 
little strict than the way Aunt Mary is.” 

Suppose you come and lie on the sofa, and 
let me read to you for a little while,” Fraulein 
suggested, by way of changing the subject. 

You look quite tired out.” 

Peggy readily agreed to this plan, and had 
soon forgotten weariness and annoyance in the 
fascinating pages of a new book. At the end 
of half an hour Maud appeared, hot and breath- 
less, and holding up a great jagged tear in her 
dress, for Fraulein’s inspection. 

It caught on a nail in the stable, and just 
tore itself,” she explained tranquilly. Mamma 
says she thinks you can mend it.” 

‘‘And what were you doing in the stable?” 
Fraulein inquired, gravely. “ Stables are not 
proper places for little girls to play in.” 

“ I think they are very proper places indeed,” 
retorted Maud, pertly. “We always play in the 
stable at home. I wish you’d please hurry and 
mend my dress; the boys are waiting for me.” 


THE ORIOLE^S NEST 


41 


You will have to take it off,” said Fraulein, 
with decision, and she insisted on removing the 
torn dress, despite all Maud’s grumbling protes- 
tations, that it didn’t in the least matter how it 
was mended, and she could just draw it together 
anyhow. 

‘‘ What a disagreeable person Fraulein is,” 
observed Maud, when the governess had left the 
room, taking the dress with her. 

‘‘ I don’t think she’s at all disagreeable, and 
I love her very much indeed,” declared Peggy, 
indignantly. 

Maud shrugged her shoulders. 

‘‘ Oh, I suppose she’s all right with you,” she 
admitted. ‘‘ You’re such a soft, meek little 
thing, and you always do just what people tell 
you to; but we don’t like her at all. What’s 
more, we don’t intend to have her boss us.” 

‘‘ She’s going to be your governess, and you’ll 
have to mind her then.” 

Maud laughed scornfully. 

“ You just wait and see, that’s all. We never 
have minded a governess and we’re not going to 
begin now. We were talking about it after you 
went in. Dick says she’s a cross-eyed old 
maid.” 

‘‘ She isn’t cross-eyed, and Dick is a very rude 


42 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


boy. I don’t believe he’ll grow up to be a gen- 
tleman.” 

‘‘ What will he be, then ? ” demanded Maud, 
the color deepening in her cheeks. 

“ I don’t know, but I’m sure boys who say 
such rude things about ladies can’t be gentlemen, 
even if their relations are.” 

‘‘ And what about girls who call their cous- 
ins bad names what will they grow up to 

be?” 

Peggy’s eyes drooped, but she said nothing, 
and in a moment Maud went on. 

The boys think you’re an awful baby, any- 
how, and they don’t care one bit about you.” 

“ Why don’t they leave me alone, then ? 
Why do they keep teasing me and bothering me 
all the time?” 

Oh, all boys tease, I guess, and of course 
when they see you mind, it makes them do it all 
the more. They try to tease me sometimes, but 
I never let them see I care, and they soon stop. 
They’re not bad really, but people must have 
fun. What did you do before I came ? It 
doesn’t seem as if you could ever have had any 
good times at all.” 

“ I had lovely times,” said Peggy, indignantly. 
''I had my dolls, and -I drove with grandma, 


THE ORIOLE’S NEST 


43 


and Fraulein read to me, and when grandma had 
visitors they were always very kind, and some 
of them brought me presents. Oh, I was very 
happy till grandma was ill, and you and Aunt 
Mary came.’’ 

Well, that is polite! I suppose you mean 
mamma and I spoiled all your stupid old fun. 
I’ll tell her what you said.” 

Peggy blushed. 

‘‘ I didn’t mean that exactly,” she stammered, 

but everything was different, and oh, 

Maud, I do miss grandma very much.” And 
Peggy began to cry. 

‘‘ What a cry-baby you are,” remarked Maud, 
contemptuously. “ You’re always crying about 
something or other. Dick says he can stand 
anything in the world better than a cry-baby or 
a ’f raid-cat. Oh, I say; Fraulein’s left the key 
in her old desk. I’m going to rummage.” 

‘‘ But you can’t ; you haven’t any right to 
touch Fraulein’s things when she isn’t here. 
She wouldn’t like it at all.” 

“Who cares whether she likes it or not? If 
she leaves her old keys round, she must expect 
people to look at her things.” 

As she spoke Maud sauntered slowly towards 
the desk. It is doubtful if she really intended 


44 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


to do what she suggested, but the sight of Peg- 
gy’s shocked face was too much for her, and the 
inclination to tease was irresistible. But for 
once Peggy was too quick for her. With one 
bound she had reached the desk, snatched the 
key from the lock, and deposited it in her poc- 
ket. 

There ! ” she cried, triumphantly ; ‘‘ now 
you can’t touch it, and I’ll tell Fraulein to hide 
the key the minute she comes back.” 

For a moment Maud was really too much as- 
tonished to speak. In all their little differences 
this was the first time Peggy had ever asserted 
herself, and in her heart she liked her cousin 
none the less for what she had done; but the 
spirit of mischief was strong within her, and so 
she pretended to be more angry than she really 
was. 

‘‘If you don’t give me that key I’ll do some- 
thing you won’t like,” she declared threaten- 
ingly. 

“ I don’t care what you do,” returned Peggy, 
her blood warming with the consciousness of 
victory. “ You sha’n’t meddle with Fraulein’s 
things.” 

“ Oh, you don’t care. Well, suppose I tell 
Charlie where that oriole’s nest is.” 


THE ORIOLES NEST 


45 


The color went suddenly out of Peggy’s face, 
and she clasped her hands nervously. 

You wouldn’t do that,” she said, anxiously. 
“ You couldn’t be so mean.” 

‘‘ Oh, couldn’t I, though? You just wait and 
see. Give me that key, and I won’t tell; cross 
my heart I won’t. I’ll promise and when I once 
promise a thing I never break my word.” 

‘‘ I won’t give you the key,” said Peggy, 
stoutly. “ You haven’t any right to open Frau- 
lein’s desk.” 

All right ; then I’ll tell Charlie where that 
nest is. He’d love to get the eggs.” 

‘‘ But the little ones will be out in a few 
days,” cried Peggy, ‘‘ and they’ll be so cunning, 
and the father and mother birds will be so 
happy. Oh, Maud, you wouldn’t tell Charlie; 
he’s such a cruel boy ! ” 

Now Maud was very fond of her brothers, 
and she resented the fact that one of them should 
be spoken of as cruel. Her heart hardened to- 
wards her timid little cousin in consequence. 

It isn’t cruel to steal birds’ eggs,” she de- 
clared. ‘‘ All boys do it, and girls, too, some- 
times. I’ve stolen — I mean I would steal some 
if I happened to want them for a collection. 
Give me that key, and I won’t tell Charlie.” 


46 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


No, I won’t,’’ said Peggy, firmly. 

At that moment a familiar voice called from 

under the school-room window 

“ I say, Maud, what are you doing up there 
so long? Dick says if you don’t hurry we’ll 
go fishing by ourselves.” 

It is probable that if Maud had taken time 
to think she would never have revealed Peggy’s 
secret, for she was not naturally either cruel or 
unkind, but the sound of Charlie’s voice just at 
that unfortunate moment, coupled with the 
anger caused by her cousin’s remark, proved too 
much for her, and before the horrified Peggy 
could stop her she had darted to the open win- 
dow. 

Charlie,” she shouted, Charlie, listen ; I’ve 
got something to tell you. Peggy told me not 
to, but she’s real mean, and I’m going to. 
There’s an oriole’s nest, with five eggs in it, in 
the syringa bush right at the end of the piazza. 
There! you see I told you I’d tell,” she added, 
turning in mischievous triumph on her cousin, 
but Peggy had left the room. 

Down the stairs flew the little girl, out on to 
the broad piazza, and when, three minutes later, 
Charlie, filled with pleasant anticipations of an 
addition to his collection, reached the syringa 


THE ORIOLE^S NEST 


47 


bush, he found it guarded by a resolute little 
figure, who faced him, with eyes flashing de- 
fiance in every glance. 

‘‘ Hello ! ” exclaimed Charlie, stopping short 
in the path, and eyeing his cousin curiously; 
“what are you doing here, ’f raid-cat? I 
thought you had a side-ache, and had to go in to 
Dutchy to be coddled.'’ 

“ Charlie,” said Peggy, making a great effort 
to speak pleasantly, though her voice was shak- 
ing with indignation ; “ you're not really a 
wicked, cruel boy, are you ? ” 

“ Of course I'm not. Who said I was? ” 

“ No one — oh, no one at all; only I was afraid 
you might be, because you like to tease, you 
know. You wouldn't really be so wicked as to 
steal poor little birds' eggs.” 

“ Oh,” said Charlie, in a tone of comprehen- 
sion, and his eyes began to twinkle with mis- 
chief. “ Well, maybe I am wicked then, but 
I’m not a 'fraid-cat anyhow. I'm not a mean 
sneak either. Nobody who wasn't a mean sneak 
would be horrid enough not to tell a fellow 
where he could find something he wanted for his 
collection. If you don't want to see me hook 
those eggs you'd better scoot right now, for I’m 
going to do it this minute.” 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy gave a little gasp, and it seemed to 
her as if all the blood in her body had suddenly 
rushed up into her face and neck. She had had 
one triumph that day, and she was warming with 
the excitement of battle. 

“ You sha’nh touch that nest,” she said 
coolly. 

“ Oh, sha’n’t I ? How are you going to pre- 
vent it ? ” 

“ I don’t know yet, but you sha’n’t touch it. 
Oh, Charlie, please do be a good boy, and go 
away this once. The little ones will be out in 
a day or two, and the father and mother are so 
happy about it.’^ 

Charlie laughed scornfully. 

Happy about it ! Oh, you goose ! Just as 
if birds had feelings like people.” 

How do you know they haven’t ? ” de- 
manded Peggy, winking hard to keep back the 
tears. 

‘'Of course I know. I’m not a baby, if you 
are. Now get out of the way; I’m coming.” 

Just what happened next Peggy could never 
afterwards exactly remember. There was a 
rush, a struggle, and then she was clinging to 
her cousin, with all her strength, fighting, kick- 
ing, scratching, holding him back by sheer force 






THE ORIOLE’S NEST 


49 


of her strong little arms. Charlie was a big boy 
for his age, and he too fought with all his might, 
but he was more than a year younger than 
Peggy, and astonishment at the unexpected at- 
tack had for the moment almost taken away his 
breath. Suddenly, there was a shrill scream, 
and Maud, still without her dress, and waving 
her bare arms wildly in the air, burst upon the 
scene. 

Oh, you wicked children, stop this minute, 
or ril call mamma! Peggy Lee, I believe 
you’ve ’most killed Charlie. Look at his face; 
it’s all scratched to pieces, and his nose is bleed- 
ing. Charlie, stop kicking Peggy; that’s no fair 
way to fight!” 

With a sweep of her resolute arm, Maud 
thrust the panting, gasping combatants apart, 
and next moment Peggy, with a wild sob of de- 
spair, had turned and fled into the house. 

Fraulein on her way back to the school-room, 
with Maud’s mended dress, was suddenly trans- 
fixed with horror and amazement, at sight of a 
little figure, with torn skirts and tumbled hair, 
rushing blindly up the front steps, and flinging 
itself into her arms. 

Oh, Fraulein,” gasped Peggy, clinging fran- 
tically to the governess, and shaking from head 


50 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


to foot with nervous excitement ; ‘‘ I think Fve 
’most killed Charlie. I made his nose bleed, 
and his face is all scratched. I don’t believe I 
can ever be a lady after this, but I’m afraid I’m 
not very sorry.” 

Here, Peggy’s over-strained nerves gave way, 
and she burst into a fit of hysterical sobbing, 
that nearly frightened the gentle little governess 
out of her wits. . 


CHAPTER IV 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 

I T was very quiet in the school-room, and 
Peggy — who was lying on the sofa, in her 
wrapper — had been alternately dozing, and 
listening to the birds outside the open window, 
for a good part of the afternoon. It was Sun- 
day, and for two whole days the little girl had 
not been downstairs. The excitement caused 
by her battle with Charlie, had culminated in 
a sharp feverish attack, which had alarmed both 
Fraulein and Aunt Mary very much. The doc- 
tor had been summoned, and had recommended 
absolute quiet, and freedom from all excitement, 
for several days. 

She is very nervous and high-strung,^^ 
Peggy heard him saying to Aunt Mary, as the 
two left the room together, ‘‘ and she has been 
through a good deal lately.’’ 

Peggy wondered what ‘‘ high-strung ” meant, 
but her head was aching too much for her to 

51 


52 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


think very long about anything, and there was 
great comfort in the knowledge that she would 
not be obliged to see any of her cousins again 
for several days. She was heartily ashamed of 
her outburst of temper, and it was not until 
Fraulein had assured her over and over again, 
that Charlie was not seriously injured, that she 
could be persuaded to take some nourishment, 
and try to go to sleep. 

“ It was such a dreadfully unladylike thing 
to do,^’ she said, mournfully. ‘‘ I don’t believe 
grandma could ever love me again if she knew 
it.” 

Every one was very kind. Even Aunt Mary 
did not utter a word of reproof, which Peggy 
considered very magnanimous on her part, con- 
sidering she was Charlie’s own mother; but the 
child still shrank with nervous dread from re- 
suming her place in the family circle, and was, 
in consequence, rather disposed to exaggerate 
her symptoms. Accordingly, when Fraulein — 
who had been writing her usual Sunday letter 
to her mother in Germany — came softly over to 
the sofa, to inquire if she wanted anything, she 
pressed her hand to her forehead, with a sigh. 

‘‘ Don’t you feel a little better this afternoon ? ” 
the governess inquired, anxiously, taking one of 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 53 

Peggy’s hands, which certainly felt much cooler 
than it had done the day before. 

“ N — no,” said Peggy, doubtfully ; at least. 
Pm not sure. My head feels rather queer when 
I try to sit up.” 

Don’t try, then; just lie still and rest. Shall 
I read to you ? ” 

Yes, please. I think I’d like to have you 
read ‘ A Little Son Of Sunshine.’ There’s a 
girl in that story, who was pretty naughty, and 
I feel as if I’d rather hear about bad people than 
good ones. It makes me so dreadfully ashamed 
when I read about good people now.” 

You poor little one,” said Fraulein, smiling. 
You are not often naughty. Heaven knows.” 

I didn’t use to be,” said Peggy, mournfully, 
but I’m afraid I’m getting worse. I think if 
the Eliots stay here all summer I shall be very 
bad indeed by the time they leave. I don’t 
want to be bad; I truly don’t; but you can’t 
think how dreadful it is when that temper feel- 
ing comes. I get hot all over, and it seems as 
if I must do something wicked. The first time 
I felt that way was the day after grandma’s fun- 
eral, when Maud said something that wasn’t 
nice. Then I felt it again when she tried to 
open your desk, and called you a — I won’t say 


54 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


what, because that would be telling tales. Then 
when Charlie was going to steal the oriole’s 
eggs, it got worse. Oh, Fraulein, do you sup- 
pose if it goes on getting worse and worse, I 
might kill some one some time ? ” 

Peggy’s voice had sunk to a frightened whis- 
per, and her eyes were big with fear, but Frau- 
lein smiled reassuringly. 

No, no, my child, I am sure you will not,” 
she said, soothingly, ‘‘ but you must pray to 
God, and ask him to take such feelings away 
from you.” 

I will,” said Peggy, softly; but, oh, Frau- 
lein dear, if Dick and Charlie go on teasing me, 
and doing dreadful things, Fm so afraid I shan’t 
be able to help getting into rages. You don’t 
know how glad I felt when I hurt Charlie that 
day. I really was glad for a few minutes.” 

But afterwards you were very unhappy.” 
“ Of course I was. I suppose even murderers 
are unhappy afterwards. Are you sure Charlie is 
really quite all right again ? ” 

‘‘ Quite sure. Haven’t you heard him shout-, 
ing in the garden ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, but I think Charlie might shout even if 
there were something dreadful the matter with 
him. Do you think he will ever forgive me for 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 


55 


scratching his face and making his nose bleed? ’’ 

Fraulein laughed in spite of herself. 

‘‘ I think he has forgiven you already,” she 
said. ‘‘ He really seemed much troubled the 
first night you were ill, and they all kept quiet 
— that is, quiet for them.” 

Where are they all to-day ? ” Peggy in- 
quired, with interest. “ I haven’t heard any 
noise in ever so long.” 

“ They drove in to town to church, and stayed 
at luncheon at the hotel, with some friends from 
the East. Your aunt thought it best to take all 
the children, as the doctor wishes you to be kept 
quiet. Now shall I read to you for a while?” 

Peggy consented, and spent the next hour 
very pleasantly, listening to the interesting ad- 
ventures of Betty and Christopher in “ A Little 
Son Of Sunshine.” Then the sound of wheels 
was heard on the drive outside, and was quickly 
followed by the patter of little feet on the piazza. 

‘‘ They’ve come back,” said Peggy with a 
sigh. ‘‘ How many more days do you suppose 
the doctor will let me stay up here, Fraulein?” 

Fraulein looked troubled. 

Don’t you want to hurry and get well ? ” she 
asked, anxiously. 

N — no, I don’t think I do. It’s so nice to 


56 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


just lie here, and have you read to me, and bring 
me good things to eat. I should like some 
cream toast and some shredded pineapple for my 
supper.” 

Fm afraid you are getting very lazy,” said 
Fraulein, laughing. Ah, here comes Mrs. 
Eliot. She will tell us whether she considers 
shredded pineapple wholesome food for little 
sick girls.” 

Aunt Mary came in, looking rather tired, but 
she greeted her little niece very kindly, and after 
presenting her with a bunch of beautiful white 
lilies — which they had gathered on their way 
home — took the place by the sofa — which Frau- 
lein had vacated — and inquired pleasantly how 
Peggy had been amusing herself. 

‘‘ Fve had a very nice time,” said the little 
girl. “ I slept a good while first, and then Frau- 
lein brought me Dorothea, and I dressed her in 
her Sunday clothes. After that I had my din- 
ner, and then I went to sleep again. Now Frau- 
lein’s been reading to me for ever so long.” 

Mrs. Eliot looked puzzled. 

“ You are a queer child,” she said. “ I think 
it would almost break Maud’s heart to have to 
lie still for a whole day, but you don’t seem to 
object in the least.” 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 


57 


“ I think I rather like being ill/' said Peggy, 
cheerfully. “ How much longer can I stay up 
here, Aunt Mary ? '' 

“ Not much, I think. Dr. Scott told me this 
morning that there is no reason why you 
shouldn’t come downstairs whenever you feel 
like it.” 

‘‘ O dear ! ” said Peggy, and she looked so dis- 
appointed that Aunt Mary laughed. 

You funny little girl,” she said. ‘‘ Well, 
you will have to come down pretty soon, for we 
want you to have a change.” 

A change,” repeated Peggy — ‘‘ do you mean 
I am going away?” 

‘‘ Do you think you would like to go away? ” 

Aunt Mary spoke rather, wistfully. She was 
really fond of her brother’s little girl, and it 
grieved her that Peggy and her cousins did not 
get on better together. 

‘‘ I think I should like it very much,” said 
Peggy, honestly. “ Of course I would come back 
after a while, and — and you wouldn’t mind very 
much, would you. Aunt Mary ? ” 

I would try not to mind if it were for your 
good. The fact is, Peggy, I am afraid you are 
not very happy here, with Maud and the boys.” 
I like Maud pretty well sometimes,” said 


58 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy, blushing. She was really quite nice 
before Dick and Charlie came.'' 

Aunt Mary sighed. 

I am afraid my little girl is rather rough and 
thoughtless at times," she said. ‘‘ You see, she 
has played with boys all her life, and that makes 
a difference; but her father and I feel sure she 
will be a fine woman some day. Now, Peggy, I 
want to talk to you about a plan I have made, 
and remember, dear, you are not obliged to go 
away at all unless you really want to. I had 
quite a long talk with Dr. Scott this morning. 
He says you are nervous, and not very strong, 
and he recommends an entire change of air and 
scene. Now how would you like to go East, 
and make your sister and brother a visit?" 

‘‘Aunt Mary, you don't mean it — you don’t 
really mean that I can ! " 

Mrs. Eliot was amazed at the sudden radiance 
that lit up the pale little face. Peggy's eyes 
were sparkling, and she was actually trembling 
with excitement. 

“ Why, my dear, I never dreamed you would 
care so much," she said, bending to kiss her 
little niece as she spoke. “ You haven't seen 
Edith or Harry since you were such a baby. I 
didn't suppose you remembered them very well." 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 


59 


I don’t,” said Peggy, but I love them, es- 
pecially Edith. Oh, Aunt Mary, is it really 
true? Am I really going to see my own pre- 
cious sister ? ” And to Aunt Mary’s astonish- 
ment, Peggy suddenly threw her arms round her 
neck, and burst into tears. 

Two hours later Peggy was comfortably 
tucked up in bed for the night, though far too 
happy and excited to think of going to sleep. 
She could not remember ever being quite so happy 
before in her life, and she lay trying to realize 
this wonderful, beautiful thing that was going 
to happen, and hugging her faithful confidant, 
Dorothea, to her breast. 

“ Just think, Dorothea, I’m going to see her,” 
she whispered rapturously. “ It seems as if it 
couldn’t be true, but Aunt Mary says it is. 
We’re to start on Thursday. Aunt Mary says 
it seems very sudden, but those friends of hers 
she went to see at the hotel to-day are starting 
for New York then, and they’ve offered to take 
me with them. If I didn’t go now I might have 
to wait ever so long, for of course I couldn’t take 
such a long journey all by myself. It takes days 
and days, you know, Dorothea, and we shall 
have to go to bed on the train. Won’t that be 
funny? Aunt Mary is going to write to Edith 


6o 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


to-morrow, to let her know I’m coming, and 
she says Harry will meet us in New York, and 
take us to Montclair, New Jersey. Oh, Doro- 
thea, I’m so happy, and just think how happy 
Edith and Harry will be when they know they’re 
going to see their own little sister.” 

There was a slight rustle at the door, and a 

voice inquired in an eager whisper 

‘‘ Peggy, I say, Peggy, are you asleep ? ” 

‘‘ No,” said Peggy, raising herself on her el- 
bow. “ Is that you, Maud ? ” 

For answer a little figure ran swiftly across 
the floor, and bounded on to the bed, like a 
rubber ball. 

‘‘ We’ve got to whisper,” Maud explained, 
“ because mamma and Fraulein don’t know I’m 
here. Mamma said I must be quiet, so as not 
to disturb you, but I thought perhaps you might 
not be asleep, and I knew if you weren’t you’d 
like to hear about the orioles. The little ones 
came out to-day, and they’re just as cunning as 
they can be.” 

The orioles ! ” Peggy repeated, in joyful in- 
credulity ; “ then Charlie didn’t 

“ No, he didn’t,” said Maud, emphatically. 
“ I wouldn’t let him, for one thing, but I don’t 
believe he’d have done it any way, after he found 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 


6i 


out how much you cared. Charlie’s mischiev- 
ous, but he isn’t really mean. Besides, he and 
Dick both like you ever so much better than they 
did at first. They’ve promised they won’t call 
you baby or ’f raid-cat any more.” 

“It’s very queer,” said Peggy in a puzzled 
tone. “ I thought you would all despise me for 
having such a dreadful temper. That’s one rea- 
son why I didn’t want to come downstairs.” 

“ Well, I suppose a temper is a pretty bad 
thing to have,” Maud admitted, “but Dick says 
it shows you got spunk, and that’s better than 
being a ’fraid-cat. Boys can’t stand people who 
cry and are scared of things. I told Dick I 
was sure Winifred Hamilton was that kind — 
she looks so meek, and says she loves dolls — 
but he says he knows she isn’t. He thinks she’s 
the prettiest girl he ever saw, so I suppose that’s 
the reason.” 

“ Does Winifred Hamilton belong to the peo- 
ple you went to see at the hotel to-day? ” Peggy 
inquired, with interest. 

“ Yes, she’s Mrs. Hamilton’s little girl, and 
she’s ten and a half; just your age. You’ll 
know her pretty soon, because mamma says 
you’re going East with the Hamiltons on Thurs- 
day.” 


62 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Yes, I am; isn’t it exciting? Are the Ham- 
iltons kind people?” 

“ Oh, yes, very. Mrs. Hamilton used to be 
our governess when she lived in San Francisco, 
and we liked her better than any one we ever 
had. That was when her husband was in 
prison.” 

“ In prison ! ” gasped Peggy ; “ what did he 
have to go to prison for ? ” 

“ Oh, he was all right,” said Maud, reassur- 
ingly. People thought he’d stolen some money 
from a bank, and he was put in prison for it, but 
the man who really took the money confessed 
just before he died, so they let Mrs. Hamilton’s 
husband out. We never saw him till to-day, or 
Winifred either. She used to live in the East 
with her uncle, and after Mr. Hamilton got out 
of prison they moved to New York. That was 
a year ago last winter, and now they’ve only 
come to California on business. O dear! here 
comes that tiresome Fraulein. Now I shall 
catch it.” 

But Fraulein was not disposed to be severe. 
Perhaps her heart was too heavy at the prospect 
of losing her little pupil, or perhaps the sight 
of Peggy’s radiant face disarmed her. At any 
rate, she did not scold, and at Peggy’s earnest en- 


AUNT MARY CHANGES HER MIND 63 


treaty, allowed the two little cousins to spend the 
next half hour together. 

‘‘ I wonder why people seem so much nicer 
when you're going away from them," Peggy re- 
marked, speculatively, when Maud had gone 
away, and Fraulein was smoothing out the bed- 
clothes for the night. ** I never liked Maud half 
so much before. Do you suppose I might even 
get to like Dick and Charlie too, if I tried very 
hard?" 

Fraulein smiled, and then she sighed. 

“ We must try to love every one," she said, 
in her gentle, patient voice. “ Now, my darling, 
you really must go to sleep, or you will not be 
well enough for your long journey by Thurs- 
day, and think how sad that would be." 


CHAPTER V 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 

I T was Thursday morning; Peggy’s trunk 
was packed; all the servants, including Li- 
Chang, had been bidden an affectionate 
farewell, and the four little cousins were stand- 
ing on the piazza, waiting for the carriage, which 
was to take Aunt Mary and Peggy in to town. 

“ It does give a person a very queer feeling 
to say good-bye to so many people,” remarked 
Peggy, with a catch in her voice. ‘‘ I thought 
I was so happy that I wouldn’t mind about any- 
thing, but I don’t like saying good-bye.” 

Don’t say it, then,” advised practical Dick. 
Just hop into the carriage when it comes, and 
don’t say a word to anybody.” 

“ I’m afraid that wouldn’t be polite,” said 
Peggy, doubtfully. I won’t mind saying it to 
you quite so much, because you’ve only been 
here a little while, but I can’t bear to say it to 
Fraulein.” 

That old Dutchy seems to care a lot about 
64 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 


65 


you/’ observed Charlie, who had perched him- 
self on the piazza railing, and was calmly kick- 
ing the paint off with his heels. She’s been 
snivelling ever since she knew you were going. 
I’ve caught her at it when she didn’t think any 
one was looking.” 

Peggy gave a little gasp, and winked very 
hard. She was anxious to stand well in the 
good graces of her cousins, and she remembered 
Maud’s remark about what boys thought of 
people who cried. 

‘‘She’s rather a good sort, isn’t she?” Dick 
inquired, anxiously. “ She doesn’t look as if she 
would boss.” 

“ Oh, she’s very good indeed,” said Peggy, 
eagerly. “ I’m sure you’ll all love her, but — 
but there’s one thing I’d like to tell you if you 
wouldn’t mind.” 

“ Fire away,” said Dick good-naturedly. 

“ Well, it’s only that I think she might be 
more fond of you if you would stop calling her 
that horrid name.” 

“What name, Dutchy?” 

“ Yes,” said Peggy, blushing. “ It really 
isn’t a nice one, you know, and I’m sure she 
doesn’t like it. She says the Germans and the 
Dutch are two different races/’ 


66 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


** Oh, bosh ! what difference does that make ? 
We always have names for our governesses. 
Mrs. Hamilton used to be Hammie, and she 
didn’t mind a bit.” 

Well, of course you can do as you like about 
it,” said Peggy, with a sigh ; ‘‘ but don’t you 
think Fraulein is a prettier name than Dutchy?” 

‘‘No, I don’t,” returned Dick, with decision; 
and then Maud, feeling that perhaps the argu- 
ment had lasted long enough, proposed that 
Peggy should go and have a last look at the ori- 
ole’s nest. 

“ We’ll be very quiet,” she promised, “ so as 
not to scare them.” 

So the two little girls tiptoed off to the end of 
the piazza, followed, somewhat to their surprise, 
by Charlie, who, at the first mention of the ori- 
ole’s nest, had jumped down from the railing. 
Dick elected to remain behind, and watch for the 
carriage. 

“ Charlie,” whispered Peggy, impulsively, as 
they turned away after inspecting the bird fam- 
ily, “ are you sure you’re not angry with me for 
the dreadful things I did that day? ” 

“ Oh, shucks ! ” retorted Charley, reddening, 
“that’s all right. Look here,” he added awk- 
wardly ; “ I guess I won’t hook any more eggs. 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 67 

Maybe it is kind of mean, and I don’t want to be 
mean.” 

“ Oh, Charlie, I am so glad,” cried Peggy, her 
eyes sparkling. “ I don’t believe you’re really a 
bad boy, after all.” 

Of course he isn’t,” declared Maud, indig- 
nantly, and she cast a glance of loving admira- 
tion after her brother, as that young gentleman 
walked away, looking rather shame-faced. Just 
then Dick called to them that the carriage was 
coming. 

Notwithstanding all her good resolutions, 
Peggy did break down when the moment of part- 
ing came, and she clung to Fraulein with so much 
affection that the soft-hearted little German was 
quite overcome herself. 

‘‘ Good-bye, my darling,” she whispered, her 
own eyes full of tears. “ Be very, very happy, 
but be sure to come back to us soon ! ” 

** Of course she will come back,” put in Aunt 
Mary, cheerfully. “ This is only to be a visit, 
you know.” 

But Peggy shook her head. 

‘‘ I may come some time to see you all,” she 
said, “ but Pm quite sure Edith won’t let me go 
away again for good. I’ll write to you very of- 
ten, Fraulein dear, and perhaps by and by you 


68 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


can come to Montclair, New Jersey, and be my 
governess again/’ 

Then Aunt Mary hurried her into the car- 
riage, and in another moment they were driving 
away from the only home that Peggy had known 
since she could remember. 

As the horses trotted down the palm-bordered 
avenue, Peggy leaned forward, for one more 
look at the familiar house. Fraulein’s handker- 
chief was at her eyes, and Maud was looking un- 
usually solemn, but Dick and Charlie waved a 
cheerful farewell, and shouted ‘‘ Good-bye, good- 
bye, Peggy ! ” until their voices were lost in the 
distance. Then suddenly Peggy’s heart gave a 
queer little jump, and she caught Aunt Mary’s 
hand nervously. 

‘‘ What’s the matter, dear ? ” Mrs. Eliot asked, 
kindly. 

“ Nothing’s the matter. Aunt Mary, only — 
only, it seems so lonely. I think I’m just a little 
bit frightened.” 

Don’t you want to go — would you rather 
stay with us ? ” 

Peggy shook her head resolutely. 

“ I want to go very much indeed,” she said. 
‘‘ I never wanted anything so much, but you see. 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 


6g 


it’s a little frightening to be going away from all 
the people I know. It’ll be all right when I get 
to Edith, of course, but it’s a long way to Mont- 
clair, New Jersey. Are you quite sure the Ham- 
iltons are kind people ? ” 

“ Quite sure,” said Aunt Mary, smiling reas- 
suringly. 

The drive to town was a rather silent one. 
Aunt Mary was never a very talkative person, 
and although Peggy was seldom at a loss for 
something to say, it seemed easier just then to 
lean back in her corner of the carriage, than to 
do anything else. 

‘‘ She mightn’t let me go if she knew I was 
'frightened,” she whispered to Dorothea — who 
was tightly clasped in her arms, ‘‘ and if I talk 
much I’m afraid she’ll find out.” 

But when they had reached the town, and were 
rattling through the busy streets, Peggy cheered 
up, and as the carriage stopped before the rail- 
way station, she was all eagerness to catch the 
first glimpse of her travelling companions. 

There they are,” said Aunt Mary, and next 
moment Peggy was being introduced, to a tall 
gentleman, a sweet-faced lady, and one of the 
prettiest little girls she had ever seen. 


70 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


They all greeted her kindly; the gentleman 
shook hands; the lady kissed her, and the little 

girl exclaimed joyfully 

I’m so glad you’re coming with us. I’ve 
been so excited about it ever since mother told 
me. 

'' I’m glad, too,” responded Peggy heartily, 
and she decided at once that the Hamiltons cer- 
tainly were ‘‘ kind people.” ‘‘ Oh, you’ve got a 
doll, too,” she added, her face brightening at 
sight of the large French doll her new friend 
was carrying. 

Of course I have,” said Winifred Hamilton. 
‘‘ I couldn’t go all the way to California without 
one of my children. This is Rose-Florence ; I 
brought her because she is the oldest child I 
have.” 

While the two little girls were making friends, 
Mrs. Eliot was saying to Mr. and Mrs. Hamil- 
ton — 

I hope my little niece won’t give you any 
trouble. I have written her sister when she will 
arrive in New York, and I am sure either she or 
her brother will be at the station to meet her. 

If there should be any mistake, however ” 

Oh, don’t worry about that,” replied Mrs. 
Hamilton, cheerfully. ‘‘ We will take good care 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 71 

of the little girl, and see her safely in the hands 
of her friends. Now I think we had better be 
getting settled in the train, as it starts in ten 
minutes.'’ 

As the Pullman train moved slowly out of the 
station, and Peggy strained her eyes for one last 
glimpse of Aunt Mary’s familiar face, the 
“ frightening feeling ” came over her again, and 
she clutched Dorothea tight, with a little sob; 
but next moment Winifred’s kind little hand 
was slipped into hers, and Mrs. Hamilton was 
saying in her bright, pleasant voice 

‘‘ Now, little girls, come and help me get set- 
tled. This is going to be just like playing house, 
isn’t it?” 

I don’t wonder Maud said your mother was 
the nicest governess they ever had,” Peggy re- 
marked to Winifred that afternoon, when the 
two little girls were alone together, Mr. and Mrs. 
Hamilton having gone to speak to some acquain- 
tances in the next car. “ She’s the loveliest lady 
I ever knew except my sister.” 

Of course she is,” returned Winifred, with 
conviction. Everybody loves mother. Don’t 
you think I’m very fortunate to have such a nice 
one?” 

‘‘ Yes, I do,” assented Peggy. '' Lots of peo- 


72 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


pie have mothers, but they’re not all like yours. 
Aunt Mary’s ever so good to Maud and the 
boys, and she lets them do ’most anything they 
want to, but she doesn’t understand things the 
way your mother does.” 

“ She always understands things,” said Wini- 
fred, flushing with pleasure. ‘‘ All my friends 
are just crazy about her, and Gertie Rossiter 
says she’d give anything in the world to have 
her for her mother. Mrs. Rossiter is really 
quite a nice lady, and Lulu Bell says it’s very 
ungrateful in Gertie to talk that way, but I sup- 
pose she can’t help it. Is your sister a grown- 
up lady ? ” 

“ She’s twenty,” said Peggy, ‘‘ and my brother 
is twenty-two. Would you like to hear a letter 
I got from my sister just before grandma died? 
I’ll read it to you if you would.” 

Winifred said she would like it very much, so 
Peggy produced from her pocket the crumpled 
letter, and smoothing it out with loving fingers, 
read it for at least the fiftieth time. 

It’s a very nice letter,” Winifred declared, 
when her new friend had finished reading. ‘‘ I 
suppose your sister is very anxious to see you. 
Mother says she used to want me so much all 
the time she was in California, and I was in New 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 


73 


i^’ork with Uncle Will, that sometimes she felt as 
if she would die if she had to bear it another 
day. She came all the way to New York to 
see me once, but I didn’t know she was mother 
then; I thought she was just Mrs. Smith. I 
loved her, though, and was so sorry when she 
went away again after just one night. Then 
when she came for good, and I found out who 
she really was — oh, it was the most beautiful 
thing that ever happened to anybody ! ” 

‘‘ Tell me about it,” said Peggy, eagerly. ‘‘ It 
sounds very interesting; quite like a book thing.” 

So Winifred told of her old life with her uncle 
and aunt, who, though very kind, were not like 
father and mother; of how all the world had 
changed for her since the return of her parents 
from California, and of the dear little home on 
the second floor of a New York apartment 
house. She told too, of her school and school 
friends. 

^ ‘‘Of course I had to leave school to come to 
California,” she explained, “ but mother wouldn’t 
go without me, and father didn’t want to go 
without her. Then Miss Lothrop, our teacher, 
said she thought I would learn more by travel- 
ling than if I stayed at home and went to school 
every day, so I came, and we’ve all had a lovely 


74 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


time. I think California is a very beautiful 
place, don’t you? ” 

“ Yes,” said Peggy, '' but then, you see, I 
don’t know much about any other places, be- 
cause I’ve always lived here since I was four.” 

And then she told Winifred of her own fam- 
ily history ; of how her papa and mamma had been 
drowned in a yachting accident, and she had 
been obliged to leave her dear sister and brother, 
and come to California to live with grandma; 
and of how her dear grandma had gone to 
Heaven too, and Aunt Mary and her family 
had come to live in her old home. 

Before bedtime that night the two little girls 
were fast friends, and the days that followed 
were very happy ones to Peggy. It was very 
exciting to live on a train, and to travel on day 
after day, through ever-changing scenery, and 
surrounded by the kindest, pleasantest people 
she had ever known. Mrs. Hamilton, always 
quick to find out people’s feelings, had soon dis- 
covered the longing for love and sympathy in 
Peggy’s lonely little heart, and she petted and 
made much of the child in a way that speedily 
won her warmest affection. Grandma and Frau- 
lein had always been very kind to her, but she 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 


75 


had never before known any one quite like Mrs. 
Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton, too, was very kind, 
and as for Winifred — Peggy was quite convinced 
Winifred must be the very nicest girl in the 
world. 

You see, you’re the first real friend I ever 
had,” she explained. “Of course there was 
Maud, but she was my cousin, and a cousin 
doesn’t seem just the same as a friend. Besides, 
we didn’t care at all about the same kind of 
things. It’s so lovely to know some one who 
loves dolls, and understands my feelings about 
them.” 

Winifred, unlike Peggy, appeared to have a 
great many friends, and she never tired of talking 
about them. There was Lulu Bell, whose blind 
aunt was a real live authoress, and there were 
Betty and Jack Randall, who use to live in the 
same apartment house with the Hamiltons, and 
who were so poor that their mother had to give 
music lessons, until their uncle, “ a truly English 
lord, — ” came sailing across the ocean in his 
beautiful steam yacht, and took them all away to 
England, to live in a castle. 

“ That really was the most exciting thing that 
ever happened to us,” Winifred said. “ We of- 


76 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


ten get letters from Betty and Jack, and they 
tell us about all the beautiful things their uncle 
does for them. They each have a pony, and 
they ride every day. Jack used to be lame, but 
he had an operation, and he’s quite well and 
strong now. The Bells are going to England to 
visit them some time.” 

So the pleasant days slipped away, and the 
long journey drew near its end. Long ago the 
palms and orange groves had been left behind, 
and the seemingly endless desert crossed. Then 
came the arrival at Chicago, where they left the 
train, and spent a night at a hotel. Peggy was 
much impressed by the high buildings, and the 
crowds of people in the streets, this being the 
first big city she had visited since she could re- 
member. Winifred did not appear at all im- 
pressed, and informed her, with an air of pride, 
that New York was much bigger and noisier. 

I hope Montclair, New Jersey isn’t,” said 
Peggy, anxiously. ‘‘ I think it would make my 
head ache to have to live in such a noisy place 
all the time.” 

Winifred assured her that she would soon get 
used to the noise, but she did not feel at all cer- 
tain, and it was a satisfaction to learn from Mr. 
Hamilton, that Montclair was only a small town. 


PEGGY STARTS FOR THE EAST 


77 


The next morning they were off again, and 
then Peggy’s heart began to beat fast with ex- 
citement, for in one more day they would be in 
New York, and then 


CHAPTER VI 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 

T he train did not reach New York till 
late in the afternoon, and all that last 
day Peggy had sat very quiet, always 
holding Dorothea in her arms, but scarcely an- 
swering when her friends spoke to her. She 
ate very little at luncheon, and when Mrs. Ham- 
ilton inquired anxiously if she did not feel well, 
she replied 

“ I think I feel well, but there’s something 
very queer the matter with my throat. I can’t 
swallow things.” 

She is dreadfully nervous, poor child,” Mrs. 
Hamilton said to her husband. I am thankful 
we are so near our journey’s end, for I am 
afraid she would be ill if this suspense lasted 
much longer.” 

But as the train drew nearer and nearer to the 
great city, Peggy became suddenly conscious of 
a longing for companionship and sympathy, and 
78 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


79 


she drew close to Winifred, and slipped her hand 
into that of her friend. 

‘‘Aren’t you glad we’re nearly there?” Win- 
ifred whispered, giving the little cold hand an 
encouraging squeeze. 

“ I — I don’t know,” faltered Peggy. “ I 
think I’m glad, but a person can’t help feeling a 
little bit queer when she knows she’s going to 
see her sister for the first time since she was 
four.” 

“ I know,” said Winifred, comprehendingly. 
“ I felt just that way when I heard mother was 
coming home from California. I wanted her — 
oh, I did want her so much — but I couldn’t help 
being frightened, because you see, I didn’t re- 
member at all what she was like. Then, when 
she came, she was just Mrs. Smith, and — oh, it 
was all so beautiful ! ” 

“ And it will be beautiful, too, when I see my 
sister,” said Peggy, with shining eyes. “ I shall 
know her the first minute, from her photograph. 
I suppose she’s been wanting me the same way 
your mother wanted you.” 

“ Of course she has,” said Winifred, with con- 
viction. 

Half an hour later they were steaming into 
Grand Central Station. 


8o 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Mrs. Hamilton took Peggy's hand, and held 
it very tenderly, as they made their way out into 
the crowded station. The child was very pale, 
and her knees shook so that she could scarcely 
stand. 

‘‘ Are you sure your sister and brother will 
know you, Peggy dear ? " she asked, when they 
had waited fully five minutes, and still no one 
had approached the little girl with any signs of 
recognition. 

Peggy nodded. 

‘‘ I sent them my photograph," she said, trem- 
ulously. “ Oh, Mrs. Hamilton, do you think 
perhaps something dreadful has happened? 
Aunt Mary said Edith or Harry would surely 
come to meet me." 

“ They may have made a mistake in the hour," 
Mrs. Hamilton reassured her, ^‘or there may 
have been some delay. Don’t tremble so, dar- 
ling; there is nothing to be frightened about. 
We will wait a little longer, and then if nobody 
comes for you, Mr. Hamilton will take you out 
to Montclair. It is only a little way." 

They did wait five, ten, fifteen minutes longer. 
Peggy watched the hands of the big station clock, 
and every moment her heart beat faster and fas- 
ter. There seemed to be a never-ending stream 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


8i 


of people coming and going, but nobody spoke 
to her — nobody claimed her. 

Perhaps they didn’t receive your aunt’s letter 
in time,” Mrs. Hamilton said at last. “ Letters 
sometimes go astray, you know. Now, Peggy 
dear, you mustn’t cry; that is very foolish. Mr. 
Hamilton is going to take you to Montclair at 
once, and you will soon find out what the trouble 
is.” 

Peggy made a great effort to suppress the 
sobs that seemed choking her. 

I won’t be a baby,” she said, and something 
in the words, and in the look that accompanied 
them caused Mrs. Hamilton to suddenly stoop, 
and take the little girl in her arms. 

Good-bye, darling,” she said, tenderly. 

We shall never forget out dear little travelling 
companion.” 

We’ve had a lovely time together, haven’t 
we?” said Winifred, kissing her friend affec- 
tionately. I shall tell my friends all about you, 
and you must come and make me a visit very 
soon.” 

‘‘ I’d like to,” said Peggy, smiling through 
her tears, ‘‘ but I think perhaps Edith won’t let 
me. She’ll be so glad to see me, you know, and 
perhaps she won’t want me to go away again.” 


82 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


“ Well, you can come and spend the day, any 
way,’’ said Winifred, and maybe your sister 
will come with you.” 

‘‘ That would be lovely,” said Peggy, heartily. 
And then Mr. Hamilton hurried her away, and 
almost before she realized what was happening, 
they were whirling away downtown in a Fourth 
Avenue cable car. 

It was very noisy and confusing, but Peggy 
scarcely noticed her surroundings. Mr. Hamil- 
ton did his best to entertain her, and pointed out 
streets and buildings, but I doubt if the little 
girl heard half of what he said to her. At Four- 
teenth Street they changed to another car, which 
was so crowded that they were obliged to stand, 
and Peggy had hard work to keep from falling 
against the passengers on either side of her. It 
was a relief to reach the ferry, although the 
crowd was greater than ever there and she clung 
to Mr. Hamilton’s hand, in momentary dread of 
being swept away from him, and lost in the hur- 
rying, jostling throng. 

The trip on the ferry boat was rather pleas- 
anter, for they stood outside, and Mr. Hamilton 
showed her a big English steamer, which was 
just coming into her dock, but when they reached 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


83 


the New Jersey side, the crowd and confusion 
were more bewildering than ever. 

Mr. Hamilton, however, did not appear at all 
disturbed by the bustle, which seemed so dread- 
ful to his little companion, but quickly led the 
way to a waiting train, beside which a man was 
shouting vociferously, “ Montclair accommoda- 
tion, on track six.’' 

“ I am afraid we may have some difficulty in 
finding seats,” Mr. Hamilton said, as they en- 
tered a crowded car. ‘‘ This is just the time 
when all the men are coming home from busi- 
ness.” 

It was true, and after walking through three 
cars, they were obliged to give up the hope of 
finding seats together. Peggy was obliged to 
sit beside a young man, who was apparently too 
much absorbed in his newspaper to notice any- 
thing else, while Mr. Hamilton shared a seat 
with a stout old lady, and a number of parcels, 
on the opposite side of the aisle. 

As the train began to move, Peggy’s heart 
gave a great nervous bound, and began to throb 
painfully fast again. 

“ Oh, Dorothea,” she said, unconsciously 
speaking aloud ; we’re almost there. What do 


84 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


you suppose is the reason they didn’t meet me? 
Fm so afraid Edith is ill, or something has hap- 
pened to Harry. I don’t want to be a baby, 
Dorothea dear, but I am very frightened.” 

“Hello, kiddie!” said a voice close at her 
side ; “ what’s the matter ? ” 

Peggy looked up with a start, to encounter a 
pair of mischievous blue eyes regarding her curi- 
ously. The eyes belonged to the young man 
who was sharing her seat, and who had laid 
down his newspaper, and was looking both 
amused and interested. He had not at all an un- 
pleasant face. Indeed, he was a decidedly good- 
looking young fellow, but Peggy objected to be- 
ing addressed as “ Kiddie,” especially by a 
stranger, so she shrank further into her corner, 
as she answered primly — 

“ Nothing is the matter, thank you.” 

“ I thought you spoke to me,” the young man 
said, looking puzzled. 

Peggy flushed crimson, and her eyes drooped. 

“ No, I didn’t,” she stammered ; “ I was only 
talking to Dorothea.” 

“ And who may Dorothea be, if one is per- 
mitted to ask ? ” 

Peggy was silent. It was one thing to make 
a confidante of one’s doll, but quite another to 



“Hello, kiddie, what’s the matter?” — Page 84. 








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MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


85 


explain to a strange young gentleman about it. 
Besides, she reflected indignantly, this very inquis- 
itive person had no right to question her at all. 

Who is Dorothea ? ” the young man per- 
sisted, his blue eyes dancing with fun, and as he 
spoke, he glanced at the doll, which Peggy was 
half unconsciously trying to hide under her 
jacket. 

Peggy cast an imploring glance in the direc- 
tion of Mr. Hamilton, but that gentleman had 
bought an evening paper, and appeared to be as 
much absorbed in its contents as her trouble- 
some companion had been. 

Pd rather not tell you,^’ she said, and though 
her voice shook with nervousness, there was a 
flash of defiance in her eyes. 

The young man laughed, and the mischievous 
expression deepened in his eyes. 

‘‘ Oh, yes, you will,'' he said, good-naturedly. 
‘‘ You're a nice little girl, you know, and you 
haven't an idea how popular I am with little 
girls. Tell me who Dorothea is, and what you 
were saying to her, and I'll buy you a box of 
caramels when the man comes through the train." 

‘‘ I don't care for caramels, thank you, and my 
grandma never let me take things from people I 
didn't know." 


86 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


What a very particular old lady your grand- 
mother must have been. I don’t believe I should 
have liked her.” 

This was too much. With a glance of speech- 
less indignation, Peggy rose from her seat, and 
next moment Mr. Hamilton felt a little hand on 
his arm. 

Why, what’s the matter, Peggy ? ” he in- 
quired, looking up in surprise at the flushed, in- 
dignant child, who stood confronting him, with 
burning cheeks and trembling lips. 

‘‘ I — I don’t like to sit in that seat. There’s 
a very disagreeable gentleman there.” 

Mr. Hamilton half rose, and cast an angry 
glance in the direction of Peggy’s new acquain- 
tance, who was watching proceedings, with an 
expression of mingled annoyance and amuse- 
ment. 

“ What has he been saying to you ? ” he in- 
quired, sharply. 

He — he called me kiddie, and he tried to 
make me tell him about Dorothea.” 

Mr. Hamilton smiled and resumed his seat. 

Oh, that is the trouble, is it?” he said, in a 
tone of considerable relief. “ Well, suppose you 
come and sit on my knee. There doesn’t appear 
to be another vacant seat.” 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


87 


** I don’t see why grown-up people like to tease 
little girls,” Peggy remarked indignantly, as, 
safely ensconced on Mr. Hamilton’s knee, she 
cast a withering glance at her tormenter. It 
was bad enough when Dick and Charlie did it, 
but I should think a grown-up young gentleman 
would know better.” 

“ I wouldn’t talk quite so loud about it if I 
were you,” said Mr. Hamilton, mildly. I am 
afraid he may hear.” 

Peggy relapsed into silence, and sat staring 
steadily out of the window; but in a few mo- 
ments she had almost forgotten her troublesome 
neighbor, in thoughts of the coming meeting 
with her family. 

At the next station the young man left the 
train, but on his way out he paused by Mr. Ham- 
ilton’s seat, and coolly bowed to Peggy, his eyes 
dancing with fun. 

• I’m sorry I made myself so disagreeable,” he 
said. As you say, a grown-up young gentle- 
man ought to know better.” And then he de- 
parted, leaving Peggy more than a little ashamed, 
but still decidedly indignant. 

But shame and indignation were alike forgot- 
ten when the train stopped again, and the con- 
ductor shouted Montclair.” There was a gen- 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


eral move, as Montclair was the end of the 
branch line, and the passengers filed out on to 
the platform. Peggy’s knees were shaking, and 
her feet and hands felt very cold, as she followed 
Mr. Hamilton across the station platform and 
into a cab. She heard the direction given; “to 
Mr. Henry Lee’s, please;” and then they were 
rattling away through the streets of the pretty 
little town. It was a lovely evening in late May, 
and the lilacs and wisteria were all in bloom in 
the gardens they passed. 

They drove on for some ten or fifteen minutes, 
and then the cab suddenly turned in at a gate, 
and stopped before a small, but very pretty house, 
the front door of which stood invitingly open. 
Mr. Hamilton stepped out; then turned to give 
his hand to his little companion; but already 
Peggy had caught sight of a very pretty young 
lady, in a white dress, who, at that moment, had 
come out through the open door on to the piazza, 
and with a scream of uncontrollable delight, she 
was out of the cab, and up the steps, with a 
bound. 

“ Edith, Edith, oh Edith dear, don’t you know 
me?” she cried, flinging herself upon the as- 
tonished young lady. “ I’m Peggy — your own 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 89 

little sister Peggy — and Fve come to live with 
you.’’ 

The young lady, who had turned rather pale 
at the suddenness of it all, uttered a faint cry, 
and dropped helplessly into a chair. 

Peggy/’ she gasped, “ little Peggy; where in 
the world 

I’ve come all the way from California,” 
sobbed Peggy, her arms around her sister’s neck. 
‘‘ Why didn’t you meet me at the station in New 
York? Aunt Mary said you would; she wrote 
you a letter all about it.” 

Letter ! ” repeated Miss Lee, blankly. ‘‘ I 
never received any letter. I was never so sur- 
prised in my life. But, Peggy dear, I don’t un- 
derstand; I thought you were going to live with 
the Eliots.” 

Miss Lee had partially recovered from the first 
shock of astonishment, and was gently disen- 
tangling herself from Peggy’s almost strangling 
embrace. She was trembling herself, and there 
were tears in her eyes, but whether they were 
tears of joy or amazement, Mr. Hamilton — who 
had remained quietly in the background — did not 
feel at all sure. 

“ I was going to live with the Eliots,” Peggy 


90 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


explained, gazing with radiant eyes into her 
sister’s puzzled face; but I wasn’t very well 
after grandma died, and Dr. Scott said I ought 
to have a change, so Aunt Mary asked me if I 
would like to come East to you and Harry, and 
of course I said I would. Aren’t you awfully 
glad to see me ? ” 

Of course I am glad, darling, very glad in- 
deed,” said Edith, kissing her, but I am so as- 
tonished. I don’t think I quite realize it all yet. 
You say Aunt Mary wrote?” 

Yes, of course she did, and she said you or 
Harry would meet me in New York, but you 
didn’t, and I was so afraid something dreadful 
was the matter. Where’s Harry? Can’t I go 
and surprise him too ? ” 

He isn’t coming home this evening. He is 
going to a dance at Glen Ridge, and will spend 
the night with a friend there. But, Peggy dear, 
you surely haven’t come all the way from Cali- 
fornia by yourself? ” 

Edith’s eyes had wandered past Peggy, and 
were now resting inquiringly upon Mr. Hamil- 
ton. 

‘‘ I think I must introduce myself,” the gen- 
tleman said, stepping forward, with a pleasant 
smile. ‘‘ Our little friend is too excited to think 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


91 


of any one but her sister just now. My name is 
Hamilton, and my wife and I have had the pleas- 
ure of bringing Peggy on from California. 
Mrs. Hamilton is an old friend of your aunt, 
Mrs. Eliot.” 

Edith, who had by this time quite recovered 
her usual composure, greeted the stranger very 
kindly, and after thanking him for his care of 
her little sister, asked him to stay and dine with 
them. This, however, Mr. Hamilton declined 
to do, saying that his wife would be expecting 
him, and he was anxious to take the next train 
back to New York. So after a little more con- 
versation, he bade the sisters good-bye, and re- 
turned to his waiting cab. 

“ I think I can tell Winifred that I have left 
her little friend very happy,” he said, with a 
kind glance at Peggy, who was squeezing and 
kissing her sister’s hand, in a perfect ecstasy of 
rapture. 

‘‘ Yes,” said Peggy, smiling, and holding out 
her hand, in the pretty, old-fashioned way her 
grandmother had taught her. Please tell her 
my sister is even prettier than the photograph 
I showed her, and thank you very much for 
bringing me all the way to Montclair, New Jer- 
sey.” 


92 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Mr. Hamilton smiled again; gave the little 
hand a hearty shake and two minutes later he 
was driving back to the station. 

“ Poor little thing,” he said to himself, as the 
cab turned out of the Lee’s gate, and he caught 
a last glimpse of the two sisters standing side by 
side on the piazza. It’s all very blissful just 
now, but I hope there isn’t a disappointment in 
store for that poor child. The sister has a sweet 
face, but it will take a deal of love to give her 
all she expects.” 

'' And now come upstairs, and let us see if 
we can’t wash some of the dust off that little face 
of yours,” said Edith, as the cab and its occu- 
pant disappeared from view. ‘‘ I don’t feel as 
if I were quite awake even yet. Are you sure 
you are real, Peggy, and not just a part of a 
dream ? ” 

Peggy laughed joyously. 

I knew you’d be glad,” she said. “ See, I’ve 
brought Dorothea. She’s the doll you sent me 
for Christmas, you know.” 

‘‘Oh, is she, really? Well, I am very glad 
to renew my acquaintance with Miss Dorothea.” 
And Edith laughed, the prettiest, most fascinat- 
ing laugh imaginable, and stooped to give Peggy 
gnother kiss. 


MISS LEE HAS A SURPRISE 


93 


Then she led the way upstairs to a pretty room 
on the second floor, which she told Peggy was 
the guest chamber. 

But I never dreamed that you were going to 
be our next guest,'' she added. “ It really is de- 
lightful to have you, Peggy; how long do you 
suppose Aunt Mary will let you stay with us?"- 

Why, I've come to live with you," cried 
Peggy, triumphantly. “ Aunt Mary doesn’t 
think I get on very well with children. I did 
get on all right with Winifred Hamilton, though, 
and she's my best friend. Anyhow, Aunt Mary 
thinks I don't, so she's sent me to live with you 
and Harry. She did say it was for a visit, but 
I knew you wouldn't ever let me go again, and 
I'm sure she won't mind. Grandma told her I 
was to live with the people who would make 
me the happiest, and of course I would be hap- 
pier with you than anybody else in the world." 

Edith had suddenly disappeared in the closet, 
ostensibly to put away her sister's hat and jacket, 
and so Peggy could not see the expression of her 
face on hearing this announcement; but when 
she came out again a moment later, she was 
smiling, though her cheeks were rather flushed, 
and there was a slightly puzzled look in her eyes. 


CHAPTER VII 


PEGGY UNPACKS AND MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 

W HAT a blissfully happy evening that 
was ! Peggy never forgot it. She 
and Edith had dinner together in the 
prettiest of little dining-rooms, waited upon by 
a silent young person in a white cap and apron, 
whom Edith addressed as Christine, and after 
dinner they sat on the sofa together, in the pleas- 
ant room, which had once been Uncle Henry’s 
library, but was now the family sitting-room, 
and talked of many things. 

‘‘ I’ve got a great deal to tell you about,” 
Peggy remarked, as they settled themselves for 
a comfortable chat. ‘‘ Some of the things are 
rather disagreeable, so I think I’d better tell 
them first.” 

'‘All right,” said Edith, laughing; "what 
comes first ? ” 

" Well,” said Peggy, slowly, " I’m not at all 
good. I’ve got a dreadful temper. I didn’t 
know I had until after grandma died,, but it’s 
94 

€■ 

r.'.. 

> •?» 


i 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 95 

really very bad indeed. I scratched Charlie's 
face, and made his nose bleed, because he tried 
to steal the oriole’s eggs, and I was very angry 
with Maud, because she said things about Frau- 
lein.” 

Edith laughed and kissed her. 

You darling,” she said. 

“ I’m glad you don’t mind,” said Peggy, with 
a sigh of relief. “ I was afraid you might. I 
think that’s the worst thing I have to tell; most 
of the others are nice.” 

And so Peggy chatted on ; telling of her home 
with grandma and Fraulein; of Aunt Mary and 
her cousins, and of the long journey with the 
Hamiltons. And Edith listened and questioned 
and answered, showing an interest in everything 
that was truly delightful. So the evening 
slipped away, and Edith — who was quite unac- 
customed to children — never thought of suggest- 
ing bed, until the clock struck half-past nine, and 
Peggy’s head suddenly began to nod. 

‘‘I’m afraid you’re tired,” said Edith, kindly; 
“ would you like to go to bed ? ” 

“ It’s so lovely sitting here with you that I 
hate to,” said Peggy, regretfully, “ but I guess 
I am just a little bit tired. You see, I always 
had to go to bed at eight o’clock at home.” 


96 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy was indeed very tired. Now that the 
first excitement was over, she was beginning to 
feel the reaction, and an older person would 
have noticed the heavy lines under her eyes, and 
the weary drag of the little feet as the child 
climbed the stairs; but Edith was only twenty, 
and rather thoughtless about such things. She 
was very kind, however, and sat on the edge 
of Peggy’s bed, and chatted to her all the time 
she was undressing. But when Peggy’s hair 
had been brushed and braided for the night, and 
the little girl was ready for bed, it did not 
occur to the older sister to linger for the petting 
and tucking up that children love. 

Now I think you have everything you 
want,” she said, cheerfully, so suppose I put 
out the light and leave you to go to sleep.” 

Peggy looked a little wistful, but she said 
nothing, only lifted her face for a kiss. 

“ Good-night, dear,” said Edith, when she had 
kissed the little upturned face. ** Sleep well, 
and get a good rest. You must be tired after 
your long journey. Why, Peggy dear, what is 
it ? ” For with a sudden impulse, Peggy had 
flung her arms round her sister’s neck. 

Oh, I love you, I love you ! ” cried the child. 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 97 

passionately. You’re even dearer and sweeter, 
and beautifuler than I thought you’d be, and I’m 
so happy I don’t know what to do.” 

Peggy, why, little Peggy,” Edith murmured, 
holding her close ; I had no idea you cared so 
much.” 

She sat down on the bed, and took her little 
sister in her lap. Perhaps it was just as well 
that Peggy did not know all the thoughts in 
Edith’s mind at that moment, for some of them 
were very perplexed and self-reproachful. They 
were both silent for a few minutes, and then 
Edith rose, with a sigh. 

“ I really must go now, darling,” she said, 
“ for it’s getting dreadfully late. Are you sure 
you have everything you want? ” 

Peggy hesitated, and a wistful expression 
came into her face. 

'' The bed is very big for only just one person, 
isn’t it ? ” she said timidly. ‘‘ I suppose you 
don’t like sleeping with people.” 

Edith laughed and shook her head. 

I don’t like it at all,” she said, decidedly. 

Do you mean you’re afraid to sleep alone ? ” 
Oh, no,” said Peggy, blushing; I’m not so 
silly as that. I only thought perhaps — but it 


98 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


doesn’t matter. Grandma never liked to have 
people sleep with her either, but Fraulein didn’t 
mind.” 

I hope I’m not going to be a baby, Doro- 
thea,” Peggy whispered, hugging Dorothea 
tight, when Edith, after kissing her again, had 
put out the light and gone away. “ I know 
it’s only babies who are afraid of the dark, and 
Dick and Charlie would laugh so if they knew; 
but, oh, Dorothea dear, wouldn’t it have been 
lovely if Edith hadn’t minded sleeping with peo- 
ple?” 

But Peggy was very tired, and even her old 
fear of the dark was powerless to keep her awake 
that night. She lay for a few minutes, think- 
ing of the big bed and strange, unfamiliar room, 
and then a pleasant languor began to steal over 
her; her eyes closed, and she was fast asleep. 

Peggy was already half dressed next morn- 
ing, and was struggling with a refractory but- 
ton, when Edith, still in her bath wrapper, came 
into the room. 

Why didn’t you call Christine ? ” the older 
sister inquired, when she had returned Peggy’s 
rapturous greeting. “ I told you she would 
help you dress.” 

I thought perhaps I could manage all right 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 


99 


by myself,” Peggy explained. “ I can do 'most 
everything except the buttons and my hair. I 
didn’t quite like to bother Christine. Is she a 
pleasant person?” 

Edith laughed and shrugged her shoulders. 

‘‘ As pleasant as most of them I suppose,” she 
said, indifferently. “ I never thought very 
much about her. She does her work fairly 
well.” 

I thought she looked rather cross last night,” 
said Peggy, doubtfully. 

Oh, I daresay she was. It was her night 
out, and I expected to dine with friends, as 
Harry was away, but of course when you came 
I had to telephone that I couldn’t come. Chris- 
tine doesn’t enjoy having her plans interfered 
with.” 

I’m sorry,” said Peggy, blushing. ‘‘ I sup- 
pose if you had gotten Aunt Mary’s letter you 
could have explained to her, and then perhaps 
she could have arranged to go out some other 
night.” 

‘‘ Oh, it doesn’t matter. Christine is sure to 
be put out about something or other. Maids 
are a dreadful nuisance, especially when one can 
only afford to keep two, but I have too many 
other things to do to worry much over them.” 


100 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGV 


Then Edith — who had no scruples about dis- 
turbing Christine — summoned the maid to as- 
sist Peggy in her toilet. Christine appeared, 
looking if possible, more sullen than on the 
previous evening, and having performed her task 
in almost unbroken silence, went downstairs 
again, leaving the little girl feeling decidedly un- 
comfortable. 

“ ril practise doing my own hair,” she de- 
cided, and then I won't have to bother any one. 
It's very uncomfortable to be a bother. It won't 
matter so much about the buttons if I leave out 
a few where they won't show.” 

“ I’m so very sorry, Peggy dear,” said Edith, 
at breakfast, “ but I’ve got several engagements 
for to-day. I have to run in to town for a 
couple of hours this, morning, to keep an ap- 
pointment at the dressmaker's, and this evening 
Harry and I are going out to a- dinner party. I 
hate to leave you on your first day, but I really 
don’t see how it can be helped. That tiresome 
dressmaker has kept me waiting an age as it 
is, and if I don't keep my appointments she'll 
be sure to make an excuse for putting me off 
still longer. Do you think you can manage to 
amuse yourself this morning? We can be to- 
gether all the afternoon.” 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 


lOI 

Oh, yes,” said Peggy, only — only, don’t 
you think I could go with you to the dressmak- 
er’s? ” 

Edith looked doubtful. 

“ You could I suppose,” she said, “ but it 
seems foolish to take you all the way into New 
York and out again before luncheon. It’s going 
to be a hot day, and I shall be in such a rush. 
I really don’t believe you would enjoy it.” 

All right,” said Peggy, cheerfully, but she 
looked a little disappointed, nevertheless. 

You’ll find some nice books on the second 
shelf of the library bookcase,” said Edith, as 
she was bidding her little sister good-bye, half 
an hour later. “ They belonged to Harry and 
me when we were children. I hope you are fond 
of reading. I loved it when I was your age.” 

‘‘ I like it very much,” said Peggy, but I 
haven’t read many books myself. Grandma and 
Fraulein always read to me. Sometimes I don’t 
understand all the long words.” 

Oh, you’ll get used to the long words pretty 
soon,” said Edith, laughing. Now good-bye, 
Pussy-cat ; I must hurry or I shall miss the nine- 
fifteen. I shall be back to luncheon, and if you 
want anything while I’m away, be sure to ask 
Christine for it.” 


102 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy stood on the piazza, watching her sis- 
ter hurrying down the street, until the tall, slim 
figure had disappeared from view, and then she 
turned, with a sigh, and went into the house. 

I don’t believe Fll read this morning,” she 
said to herself; “ I guess Pm too excited to think 
about stories. I’ll go and get Dorothea, and 
we’ll sit on the piazza, and watch the people go- 
ing by.” 

Peggy’s trunk had arrived late the previous 
evening, but as yet nobody had had time to un- 
pack it, and it was still standing in the middle of 
the room, somewhat to the little girl’s surprise, 
for Peggy was accustomed to grandma’s and 
Fraulein’s orderly habits. Indeed, the condition 
of the whole house was something of a surprise 
to her. It was all very pretty and attractive, 
but things were lying about in a way that she 
had never seen at home, and there was certainly 
more dust on the furniture than she was accus- 
tomed to. 

I suppose it’s because Edith is so very busy, 
and Christine doesn’t care,” she decided, as she 
went slowly upstairs in quest of Dorothea, and 
then suddenly a brilliant idea occurred to her. 
Why should she not make herself useful by un- 
packing her own trunk ? Perhaps Christine 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 103 

would like her better when she found that she 
didn’t want to be a bother. So, having reached 
her room, she set to work, and with a good deal 
of difficulty, succeeded in lifting out one of the 
heavy trays, and spreading its contents on the 
bed. It was quite easy to arrange her under- 
clothes in the bureau drawers but when it came 
to hanging up the dresses, she discovered that 
most of the hooks in the closet were too high 
to reach except by standing on a chair, and by 
the time she had dragged a chair into just the 
right spot, and hung up two or three garments, 
she was so hot and tired that she decided to 
leave the rest of her unpacking until later in the 
day. 

I’m afraid I have made the room look very 
untidy,” she said, with a regretful glance at the 
array of articles, which were strewn over every 
piece of furniture. “ I wonder what Fraulein 
would say, but I don’t believe Edith will mind.” 

On her way downstairs, she peeped into her 
brother’s room, which smelled of cigars, and 
contained some interesting photographs of pretty 
girls, and young men in yachting and football 
costumes. She looked in vain for the photo- 
graph of herself, which she had sent Harry some 
time ago, but not finding it, decided that he had 


104 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


probably put it away in a drawer, where it 
wouldn’t get dusty. 

I wish Harry would come home,” she said 
to Dorothea; I’m very anxious to see him. I 
think he must be a very lovely young gentleman, 
but of course he can’t be as dear as Edith. I do 
hope he’ll be nice. I used to think all young 
gentlemen were nice, till I saw that horrid one 
in the train yesterday. I’m so glad he doesn’t 
live here, because if he did Edith might know 
him, and I should hate to have to see him again 
after he heard what I said to Mr. Hamilton.” 
And Peggy ’grew suddenly hot at the recollec- 
tion of the young man’s parting glance and the 
words that had accompanied it. 

The Lees’ house was on one of the principal 
streets of the town, and Peggy quite enjoyed 
sitting on the piazza, and watching the passers- 
by. Some of them glanced at her in evident sur- 
prise, and she decided that they must be friends 
of Edith’s, and were wondering who Miss Lee’s 
little visitor could be. 

Perhaps they call her ‘ the beautiful Miss 
Lee,’ ” she said to herself. '' The beautiful Miss 
Lee’s little sister; that sounds very pretty.” 

Just then her attention was attracted by some- 
thing, which for the moment drove even the 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 105 

recollection of her adored sister from her 
thoughts. A little girl of about her own age 
was toiling slowly along the street, carrying a 
heavy clothes basket. The basket seemed to be 
almost as big as the child herself, and it was 
certainly very heavy, for, as she reached the 
Lees’ gate, the little girl set it down on the side- 
walk, and stood leaning against the fence, pant- 
ing for breath. Peggy’s sympathies were in- 
stantly aroused. Leaving Dorothea in the 
rocker they had been sharing, she rose, walked 
down the path to the gate, and remarked in a 

tone of righteous indignation 

“ That basket is much too heavy for you to 
carry all by yourself. It’ll hurt your back.” 

The stranger turned a flushed, heated little 
face upon her in evident surprise. 

“ It is awful heavy,” she admitted. 

“ Then why do you carry it all alone ? Can’t 
you get any one to help you ? ” 

“ Mother told my brother to help me, but he 
wouldn’t. He’s a real mean boy, and he ran off 
and hid, so I couldn’t find him.” 

Peggy’s eyes flashed indignantly. 

Boys are very mean sometimes,” she agreed 
heartily. ‘‘ Why didn’t you tell your mother 
about it ? ” 


io6 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

I couldn’t. She’s out washing, and she said 
them clothes must go over to Mrs. Rutherford’s 
this morning, sure, because the lady that’s vis- 
iting there, and that they belong to, is going 
away to-day.” 

'Ms it far to Mrs. Rutherford’s?” Peggy in- 
quired, anxiously. 

" It’s up on Mountain Avenue quite a piece.” 

" I don’t know where that is, because I only 
came yesterday, but if it’s far you ought not to 
carry that heavy basket. My grandma knew a 
little girl, who hurt her back dreadfully lifting 
heavy weights in gymnasium. She had to lie 
in bed for a whole year.” 

A frightened expression came into the little 
girl’s blue eyes, and she looked as if she were 
going to cry. 

"That would be awful,” she said. " There 
wouldn’t be nobody to look after Cora and 
Minna when mother was out washing, for Fritz 
is just no good at all. I don’t know what I 
can do, though. Mother’ll be awful mad if I 
don’t get them clothes to Rutherford’s this 
morning, and I’ve come so far now it would be 
about as easy to go on as to go home. It’s a 
shame of Fritz, for he’s a big boy, ’most thirteen. 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 107 

and it wouldn’t be nothing for the two of us to 
carry.” 

Then a sudden inspiration made Peggy’s dark 
little face flush with excitement. 

“ I’ll go with you and help you carry it,” she 
exclaimed. Just wait a minute till I get my 
hat.” And without waiting to note the effect 
of her words upon her new acquaintance, she 
darted away up the path and into the house. 

Christine was nowhere to be seen, and she 
reached her own room unobserved ; snatched her 
straw hat from the closet shelf, and was back 
at the gate almost before the other child had re- 
covered from her surprise at the startling an- 
nouncement. 

Now I’m ready,” she said, triumphantly. 

We’ll each take a handle, and I don’t believe 
it will be so very heavy.” 

But the other little girl still hesitated, glanc- 
ing doubtfully from Peggy’s jaunty straw hat to 
her pretty white dress. 

** Did your folks say you could ? ” she in- 
quired. 

There isn’t anybody at home except Chris- 
tine and the cook, and I don’t believe I have to 
ask them. My sister has gone to New York, 


io8 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

but I’m quite sure she wouldn’t mind. She’s 
the loveliest young lady in the world,” 

All right, then, if you’re sure they won’t 
make a row. I say, it’s awful good of you, 
though.” 

Oh, no, it isn’t,” said Peggy, flushing with 
pleasure. ‘‘ I love to help people, only you see, 
I don’t get the chance very often. I never lived 
in a big town like this before. I suppose I shall 
have more chances now; there are so many peo- 
ple here.” 

The basket really was pretty heavy, even when 
the weight was divided between the two children. 
How the poor little girl had carried it alone 
Peggy could not understand. Her own back 
was aching before they had walked a block, and 
big beads of perspiration stood out on her fore- 
head. 

‘Ht’s — it’s a pretty warm day, isn’t it?” she 
panted. ‘‘ Suppose we sit down and rest just for 
a few minutes.” 

Her companion assented, and the basket was 
once more set down on the sidewalk, while the 
children seated themselves on the curb to rest. 

“ Rich folks do wear an awful lot of clothes, 
don’t they ? ” the owner of the basket remarked 
speculatively, as she paused to wipe her heated 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 109 

brow with the sleeve of her dress. “ There’s 
enough things in that basket to keep us all clean 
for a year, I guess.” 

‘‘ Do you live far from here ? ” Peggy in- 
quired, not feeling qualified to express an opin- 
ion as to the wardrobes of “ rich folks.” 

‘‘ Down near the depot. It’s a good long 
walk, especially with a big, heavy basket to 
carry. I don’t like to be gone long neither; I’m 
always so scared for fear something’ll happen 
to Minna. Cora’s only six, and she can’t look 
after her good.” 

“Are Cora and Minna your sisters, and is 
your mother out all the time?” 

“ She’s out most days except when she gets 
washing to do at home. She’s had to work 
awful hard since father died. There’s four of 
us; Fritz is the oldest; then I come — I’m just 
ten — ; Cora’s six, and Minna’s three. Minna’s 
just the cutest young one you ever did see.” 

“ And what is your name ? ” Peggy inquired. 
She was beginning to find this new acquaintance 
rather interesting. 

“ Tilly Winkler. We’re all Winklers. Fritz 
Winkler; Tilly Winkler; Cora Winkler and 
Minna Winkler. Father’s name was Karl Wink- 
ler, and mother’s is Louise Winkler.” 


110 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Karl and Fritz are the names of Fraulein's 
two little nephews in Germany/' said Peggy, 
much struck by the coincidence. “ Are you 
German people ? " 

Yes, father and mother were both born in 
Germany, but they came over here when Fritz 
was a baby, and we can all talk English better 
than we can German. Mother talks awful funny 
English; Fritz laughs at her.” 

‘‘ He must be very rude,” said Peggy, with 
feeling. Fraulein used to make rather funny 
mistakes in English sometimes, but I never 
laughed at her. I can talk some German, too, 
but not very much.” 

Tilly rose. 

‘‘ I guess we'd better be getting along,” she 
said. ‘‘ I never do feel easy about Minna when 
I ain't there to see to her.” 

Peggy could not repress a sigh, as she once 
more lifted the heavy basket from the ground, 
but not for words would she have backed out 
of her agreement, so the two little girls toiled 
wearily on for another five minutes, until they 
reached a large, pleasant-looking house, sur- 
rounded by trees. As they walked up the board 
path from the front gate, Peggy noticed the sign 

Dr. Rutherford ” over the door. There were 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 


III 


two ladies on the piazza, and as the children ap- 
proached, one of them — an elderly lady, with a 
very sweet face — rose and came hurriedly for- 
ward. 

‘‘ Why, my dear little girls,^' she exclaimed, 
and there was real concern in her -tone; ‘‘you 
don’t mean to tell me that you two children have 
carried that heavy basket all the way from Frog 
Hollow?” 

“ Yes’m,” said Tilly, setting down her bur- 
den on the front steps, not without some pardon- 
able pride. “ Mother said you must have them 
things this morning, and my brother wouldn’t 
help me. I was carrying it all by myself, but 
she” — pointing to Peggy — “said she’d come 
along, so she did, and we carried it together.” 

“ Well, you must both sit down and rest,” 
said Mrs. Rutherford, kindly. “ I will call the 
maid to take in the basket.” 

Tilly promptly seated herself on the lowest 
step, and Peggy followed her example more 
slowly. She was beginning to feel just a little 
uncomfortable. Both ladies were regarding her 
curiously, and she had a vague misgiving that it 
was not quite customary for little girls, whose 
sisters were fashionable young ladies, to carry 
clothes-baskets through the streets. Mrs. Ruth- 


112 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


erford and her friend exchanged a few words in 
a low tone, and then the former went into the 
house, when she speedily returned, bearing a 
plate on which were two thick slices of delicious 
frosted cake. She was followed by a maid in 
a white cap and apron, who promptly removed 
the clothes-basket from the piazza. 

‘‘ I am sure you would each like a piece of 
cake after your long, hot walk,^^ Mrs. Ruther- 
ford said, pleasantly, offering the plate to the 
children. 

Tilly accepted the cake with an eager “ thank 
you, ma’am,^' and again Peggy followed her ex- 
ample, although the shy, uncomfortable feeling 
was rather increasing than decreasing. The 
cake was delicious, however; it was quite impos- 
sible to help enjoying it; and by the time it was 
finished both children were feeling quite rested. 
Meanwhile Mrs. Rutherford’s friend had disap- 
peared, but just as the little girls rose to go, she 
came out on the piazza again, with something in 
her hand. 

Here is a reward for your trouble,” she said, 
smiling, and approaching Peggy, she held out a 
bright silver fifty cent piece. Tell your mother 
I am very much obliged to her for sending my 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 


1 13 

things so quickly. I find that I am obliged to 
leave a day earlier than I expected.” 

Peggy drew back, suddenly feeling very hot 
indeed. 

Give it to her, please,” she faltered ; '' it’s 
her mother who does the washing.” 

“ Well, I think you are both entitled to a 
share, considering that you carried the basket 
between you,” said the lady, kindly. Suppose 
you change it for two quarters; then you can 
each have one.” 

“ Thank you very much, but I don’t think my 

sister would like ” began Peggy; then 

paused, with crimson cheeks and hanging head. 

The ladies both looked at her more closely, 
and Mrs. Rutherford said in a tone of sur- 
prise — 

‘‘ I don’t think I have ever seen you before. 
What is your name, little girl ? ” 

‘‘ Peggy,” said the child, in a low voice. I 
only came yesterday,” she added hurriedly. 

“ Oh, that accounts for it. I thought I knew 
most of the children in the neighborhood. 
Where do you live ? ” 

There was no answer, for Peggy had already 
turned, and was walking very fast — almost run- 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


114 

ning, in fact — down the path to the gate. She 
was speedily followed by Tilly. 

‘‘ I say, it was just grand of you to help me 
with that basket,'' said Tilly, gratefully, as the 
two children hurried along in a homeward direc- 
tion. ‘‘ Won’t you let me give you half of that 
fifty cents? She gave it all to me when you 
wouldn't take it.” 

No — oh, no, indeed ! ” said Peggy, and she 
felt herself growing hot again. “ I wouldn't 
take it for the world.” 

“ Well, you’re real good,” Tilly declared, 
pocketing the precious coin, with an air of con- 
siderable relief. ‘‘ I guess you belong to rich 
folks, anyway, don't you ? ” 

Yes, I guess I do,” said Peggy, softly, and 
she suddenly found herself wondering what 
grandma or Fraulein would have said to the 
morning's proceedings. 

“ Well, it was kind, even if it wasn't what 
ladies generally do,” she reflected, ‘‘and grandma 
said a true lady was always kind ; ” having com- 
forted herself with which reflection, Peggy felt 
decidedly more comfortable. 

At the Lees' gate the friends parted. 

“ Good-bye,” said Tilly; “ I’ve got to run home 
to look after the kids.” 


PEGGY MAKES ACQUAINTANCES 115 

“ Good-bye,” returned Peggy, holding out her 
hand politely. “ I’m very happy to have met 
you,” she added in her prim, old-fashioned little 
way. “ You must come and see me some time, 
and bring Cora and Minna.” 

Tilly looked very much pleased. 

“All right; I will,” she said. “You don’t 
suppose your folks would mind, do you ? ” 

“ I’m sure they wouldn’t,” said Peggy, with 
decision. “ You are a very nice little girl, and 
Edith said this morning she wished she knew 
some nice little girls for me to play with.” 

And then the friends separated, and Peggy 
went back to the piazza, to tell Dorothea all 
about her little adventure. 


CHAPTER VIII 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 

E dith reached home in time for lunch- 
eon, but she did not come alone. She 
brought with her another young lady, 
whose name was Miss Harriet Foster. Miss 
Foster was bright and pretty, and she greeted 
Peggy very kindly, but when she had asked a 
few questions about California, and about her 
journey, she seemed to find nothing else to say 
to the little girl, and devoted all her attention to 
Edith. The two were evidently intimate friends, 
and they had a great deal to say to each other 
during luncheon, so that Peggy was rather left 
out in the cold; but when they did speak to her 
they were always kind. Peggy, who had been 
brought up by grandma’s old-fashioned rules, 
would not have dreamed of interrupting the con- 
versation of her elders, so she ate her luncheon 
almost in silence, and found no opportunity to 
tell Edith of her morning’s adventure. 

ii6 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 117 


After luncheon Edith and her friend went up- 
stairs together. They did not ask Peggy to ac- 
company them, and the little girl was just be- 
ginning to wonder rather disconsolately, what 
she should do to amuse herself, when she heard 
her sister’s voice calling her from the top of the 
stairs. 

Peggy, dear, what in the world have you 
been doing to your room? It looks as if a 
cyclone had struck it.” 

Edith’s voice sounded as if she were laughing, 
but Peggy felt a little conscience-smitten, not- 
withstanding, and she hastened to explain. 

I’m very sorry,” she said, apologetically, 
running upstairs as she spoke. I know it 
looks dreadfully. I thought I could unpack by 

myself, but the hooks were so high ” 

'^You dear little busy-body!” laughed Edith. 

Of course you couldn’t do it by yourself. 
Why didn’t you ask Christine to help you ? ” 

I — I didn’t like to,” stammered Peggy. 

Nonsense! Run down and tell her to come 
and put your things away properly, just as soon 
as she has finished with the dishes. Yes, Har- 
riet, I’m coming right away.” And Edith dis- 
appeared, leaving her little sister to carry out 
her instructions. 


ii8 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

** I hate to ask her, she looks so cross/' Peggy 
said to herself, as she went slowly downstairs 
again, “ but I suppose Pve got to." 

She found Christine in the pantry, busy with 
the luncheon dishes, and made her request in a 
very timid little voice indeed. The maid said 
nothing, but looked so very cross that Peggy 
was glad to make her escape to the piazza, where 
she spent the next half-hour playing with Doro- 
thea. Then Edith and Miss Foster came down 
again, and the latter soon took her departure. 

‘‘ You are a nice little girl," she said kindly, 
pausing for a moment on the piazza, to say good- 
bye to Peggy. ‘‘ I love to see little girls playing 
with dolls. She seems a nice, quiet child," she 
added in a lower tone to Edith, as the two 
friends walked down the path to the gate. I 
don't believe she will really be much trouble." 

She is a darling," returned Edith, heartily. 

I love having her here, but it was such a sur- 
prise, and goodness knows what Harry will 
say." 

Peggy heard both remarks, for neither Edith 
nor her companion had spoken quite as low as 
she intended, and a troubled expression crept 
into her happy little face. Was it possible that 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 119 

Harry — her own brother Harry — would object 
to having her live with him? But when Edith 
came back, after bidding her friend good-bye 
at the gate, she was so sweet and fascinating that 
Peggy soon forgot her momentary anxiety, and 
the two sisters spent a very happy afternoon to- 
gether. 

Edith had some sewing to do, and she took 
Peggy upstairs with her, and let the little girl 
chatter away to her heart’s content, even leading 
her on by kind, interested questions. 

Pm so sorry about that tiresome dinner 
party for this evening,” she said, regretfully, as 
she rose and folded up her work at five o’clock. 

I hate to leave you so soon again. I would 
have declined, only people hate so to receive re- 
grets at the last moment, and Harry might have 
been vexed.” 

Oh, I don’t mind,” said Peggy, with forced 
cheerfulness, though her heart sank at the 
thought of the long, solitary evening. May I 
help you dress? I love to see people’s pretty 
things.” 

To be sure you may,” said Edith, good- 
naturedly ; and I daresay you will be more of a 
help than that stupid Christine, who never can 


120 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


find the hooks on my gowns. I have ordered a 
nice little supper for you, and Christine will stay 
with you till you go to bed.” 

Peggy thought she could have dispensed with 
Christine’s society, but decided that* she might 
be better than nobody at all, so she changed the 
subject by inquiring at what hour Harry usually 
came home. 

He doesn’t usually get here before half-past 
six,” said Edith, “ but he said he might come 
earlier this evening, on account of dressing for 
the dinner.” 

Then I think I’ll go down to the piazza and 
watch for him. I’d like to surprise him the 
same as I did you.” 

Very well; run along.” And Edith sat 
down at her desk to write a note, while Peggy, 
with a beating heart, descended to the piazza, 
to await the arrival of the brother, in whose 
hands she felt that her future fate might rest. 

‘‘ Of course he won’t care about me the way 
Edith does,” she confided to Dorothea, ** because 
he’s a gentleman, and gentlemen never care much 
about children, except when they’re their own, 
but I do hope he will like me just a little. It 
would be dreadful if he didn’t like me at all, and 
wouldn’t let Edith keep me. She said ' Good- 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 121 


ness knows what Harry will say.’ Oh, Dorothea 
dear, it is frightening; almost as frightening as 
it was when I didn’t know what Edith would be 
like.” 

Peggy’s reflections were cut short by the 
sound of an approaching footstep, accompanied 
by a cheerful whistle, and she looked up with a 
start, to see a tall young man coming leisurely 
up the path from the gate. Next moment she 
had sprung to her feet, almost dropping Doro- 
thea in her astonishment, for the young man was 
none other than the inquisitive stranger of the 
previous afternoon. The recognition was ap- 
parently mutual, for at the same moment the gen- 
tleman stopped short in the middle of the path, 
uttered an exclamation of surprise, and asked in 
a playful way: 

‘‘ Hello ! what do I see ? Can it be my young 
friend, who thinks grown-up gentlemen ought 
to know better than to tease little girls?” 

He was smiling, and his eyes twinkled, as 
though at some amusing recollection, but Peggy 
was crimson with shame and indignation. She 
drew herself up with the little dignified air, that 
always amused older people, and turned to go 
into the house; but the gentleman called her 
back. 


122 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


“ Stop a minute/' he said, laughing. “ Where 
are you going ? ” 

Fm going in," said Peggy, stiffly. Have 
you come to see Miss Lee? She's upstairs, but 
Fll call her." 

“ So you know Miss Lee," the stranger said, 
coolly mounting the piazza steps, and seating 
himself in the most comfortable chair he could 
find. “ No, Fm not particularly anxious to see 
her just now, so suppose you sit down again, 
and have a little chat with me. I don’t think I 
ever saw you before yesterday. Do you live in 
Montclair ? " 

‘‘ Yes," said Peggy, shortly. She longed to 
run away, but feared it might not be polite to do 
so, as it was evident that this very disagree- 
able young man must be a friend of the family, 
or he would not make himself so much at home. 

“And who brought you here? You didn’t 
come by yourself to see my sister, did you ? " was 
the young man’s surprising question. 

“Your sister!" gasped Peggy, a sudden 
dreadful suspicion almost taking away her 
breath. “Are you — is Edith your sister?" 

“ She most certainly is," said the young man, 
smiling, “ and now, since you are such a good 
friend of hers that you call her by her first name. 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 123 


don’t you want to be friends with me too? I’m 
not as bad as I look; really I’m not.” 

His eyes still twinkled mischievously, but he 
held out his hand, and with another little gasp 
of horrified amazement, Peggy slipped hers into 
it. 

That’s better. Now suppose you tell me 
your name.” 

I’m Peggy,” said the little girl, in a very low 
voice. 

'' Peggy; Peggy what?” 

'' Peggy Lee ; I’m your — I’m Edith’s sister.” 

What! ” ejaculated the young man, and now 
it was his turn to look astonished. “ You don’t 
mean to say — you’re not little Peggy ! ” 

“ Yes, I am,” said Peggy, her eyes drooping 
beneath her brother’s incredulous gaze. I only 
came yesterday. Aunt Mary wrote about it, but 
the letter didn’t get here in time. I — I hope you 
won’t mind very much.” 

‘‘ Mind ? What should I mind for ? But you 
certainly have given me a surprise. Come and 
tell a fellow all about it. Did you drop from 
the clouds, or fly all the way from California 
on a broom-stick? But first of all haven’t you 
got a kiss for your big brother? ” He lifted her 
on his knee as he spoke, and kissed her heartily. 


124 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy’s fears were beginning to subside; still 
she was bitterly disappointed. 

I hope you’ll excuse me for talking so loud 
about you in the train,” she said, apologetically. 

Mr. Hamilton said it was rude.” 

Harry laughed and pinched her cheek. 

‘‘ You’re a funny little kid,” he remarked in 
the same teasing tone that had so annoyed Peggy 
at their first meeting. So you think grown-up 
gentlemen ought to know better. Well, you’ll 
have to teach me, Peggy; I am sadly in need of 
teaching. But first tell me how you came and 
who brought you here.” 

'' Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton brought me from 
California,” Peggy explained, and Mr. Ham- 
ilton came out here with me. We thought you 
or Edith would meet me at the station, but Aunt 
Mary’s letter never came till this morning. It 
went to a wrong address, Edith says. Aunt 
Mary sent me here, because the doctor said I 
needed a change, and I’m going to live with you 
always.” 

Harry’s face grew suddenly very blank in- 
deed, and his feelings found vent in a long, low 
whistle; but just at that moment Edith appeared, 
and he turned to his sister for further explana- 
tions. 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 125 


As soon as she could make her escape Peggy 
slipped down from her brother’s knee, and went 
'’into the house. 

‘‘ It’s a very disappointing thing,” she said 
to herself, winking hard to keep back the tears. 
** I hoped I should never have to see that hor- 
rid, teasing young gentleman again, and now 
Tve got to love him, because he’s Harry. I al- 
ways thought Harry would be so nice.” 

She went up to her room, and sat down dis- 
consolately in the big rocker by the window. 
Christine had put things in order, and the room 
looked very pretty and comfortable, but the lit- 
tle girl’s heart was not as light as it had been 
half an hour earlier. She was not left long in 
solitude, however, for in a few minutes Edith 
and Harry both came upstairs to dress, and 
Edith called her into her room. 

It was very interesting to watch her sister 
dress for the dinner party, and in her delight at 
being allowed to help in the fastening of hooks 
and buttoning of boots, Peggy almost forgot her 
disappointment. 

Wasn’t it odd that you should have met 
Harry on the train yesterday,” Edith said, as she 
stood before the dressing table, putting the fin- 
ishing touches to her toilet. ** Of course he 


126 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


hadn’t the least idea who you were, and as he 
got off the train at Glen Ridge, he didn’t even 
know you were coming here.” 

‘‘ I sent him my photograph,” said Peggy, in- 
nocently. 

‘‘ Oh, yes, dear, I know you did, and it was a 
very good one, too, but I don’t suppose Harry 
looked at you very closely, and even if he had 
he would hardly have recognized you. You see, 
your coming was such a surprise.” 

When Edith was dressed they went down to 
the piazza, where they were speedily joined by 
Harry, who certainly did look rather handsome 
in his evening clothes. Peggy was conscious of 
a little thrill of pride when she saw him. “ If 
only he would leave off teasing,” she thought, 
she might really be quite fond of him. 

“Well, kiddie,” he began pleasantly; “have 
you been giving Edith an account of our first 
meeting? By the way, now that the relation- 
ship between us is established, perhaps you will 
consent to tell me — in strictest confidence, you 
know — who Dorothea is.” 

“ She’s my doll,” said Peggy, with an effort 
to be polite under difficulties. 

Harry laughed. 

“ I suspected as much,” he said. “ Where is 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 127 


the young lady now ? May I not have the honor 
of an introduction ? ” 

Peggy was saved the necessity of a reply, for 
at that moment Edith rose. 

‘‘ Come, Harry,'’ she said, gathering up her 
evening wrap ; “ it’s time to start. Good-night, 
Peggy dear ; you will be fast asleep by the time 
we get home. I have told Christine to take 
good care of you.” 

She kissed her little sister affectionately, and 
then Harry — who really did not appear to be at 
all an unkind young man, even if a tease — patted 
her head, remarking that he supposed she would 
be all right so long as she had the faithful Doro- 
thea for company. But in spite of his jesting 
words, he did not look quite satisfied. 

Poor little thing,” he said, as he and his 
sister walked down the path to the gate. “ It 
seems rather rough on her to be left alone for 
the whole evening, with no one but that sour- 
faced Christine to look after her.” 

“ I know it is,” said Edith, regretfully, but 
I didn’t see what else I could do. I couldn’t send 
word to the Parkers at the last moment.” 

‘‘ No, I don’t suppose you could, especially as 
there was a possibility of Maurice Rutherford’s 
being there.” 


128 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Harry’s eyes twinkled, but his sister flushed 
with annoyance. 

‘‘ Don’t be absurd,” she said, sharply. ‘‘ I 
really am very sorry about Peggy, for she is a 
dear little thing, and I do want to make her visit 
just as pleasant as possible.” 

Her visit ? She seems to be under the im- 
pression that she has come to make her home 
with us.” 

“ I know she is, the darling, and I wouldn’t 
undeceive her for the world ; at least not yet. I 
received Aunt Mary’s letter to-day, and she ex- 
plains things very nicely. She says of course 
she wouldn’t dream of burdening us with the 
care of a child, for any length of time, but Peggy 
was crazy to come, and the doctor advised 
change of air, so she thought it best to send her 
for a month or two. She knows some people 
who are going back to California about the first 
of July, and she is sure they will be willing to 
take charge of her on the journey. I am afraid 
she is a very nervous, excitable child. Aunt 
Mary says she was really quite ill after grandma 
died, and she doesn’t seem to have gotten on very 
well with the Eliot children.” 

Peggy did not have a very cheerful supper. 
Everything was delicious, and the table was set 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 129 

as daintily as if the whole family had been at 
home — Edith had attended to that before she 
went out — but Christine, standing behind her 
chair, her face the picture of sour discontent, 
was scarcely a pleasant companion. Poor Peggy 
hurried so much, for fear of keeping the maid 
too long, that she left the table without having 
eaten half as much as she would have liked. As 
she pushed back her chair, a sudden thought oc- 
curred to her, and she inquired timidly 

Would you like to have me help you with 
the dishes, Christine. I wouldn’t mind doing 
it, and you were very kind about unpacking my 
things.” 

Christine’s grim face relaxed a little, but she 
shook her head obstinately. 

I don’t need any help,” she said. What 
time do you go to bed?” 

Peggy glanced at the clock. 

I used to go at eight when I was at home,” 
she said, and it isn’t half-past seven yet ; but 
there isn’t anything particular to do, so I sup- 
pose I may as well go now.” 

Very well,” said Christine, and for the first 
time that evening she looked actually cheerful. 

Call me when you are ready, and I will come 
and braid your hair.” 


130 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


So Peggy went upstairs, and began to un- 
dress. She was not sleepy, but as she had said, 
there was nothing to do, and bed seemed about 
as comfortable a place as any other in which to 
spend the long evening. She thought of last 
evening, and how happy she had been with her 
sister, and could not help hoping that Edith did 
not go to dinner parties very often. Still, it was 
pleasant to think what a good time she must be 
having. Of course she was the prettiest lady 
at the party, and of course all the young gentle- 
men were longing to sit next to her. Her mind 
was so full of this subject, that she could not 
resist mentioning it to Christine, when the maid 
came up to braid her hair. 

Don’t you think my sister is the prettiest 
young lady you have ever seen, Christine?” she 
inquired, with the faint hope of drawing the 
silent Christine into conversation. 

“ I have seen a good many pretty young 
ladies,” was the maid’s uncompromising reply, 
and Peggy relapsed into silence. 

Now, have you all you want, and may I put 
out the light ? ” inquired Christine, when Peg- 
gy’s hair had been done up in two tight pigtails, 
and she had slipped into her little white night- 
gown. 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 131 


‘‘ Oh, yes, thank you, I’m all right. I sup- 
pose you are going downstairs ? ” Peggy spoke 
a little anxiously. She did not want to be silly 
or babyish, but she could not help thinking that 
it would be very pleasant to have Christine 
within call. 

‘‘ Yes, I am going down to the kitchen,” said 
the maid, shortly. 

Peggy said no more, and five minutes later 
she was lying alone in the darkness. She had 
said her prayers, and that made her feel more 
comfortable, for she knew God was watching 
over her; but her heart was beating uncomfort- 
ably fast, and she held Dorothea very tight. 

“ At home we could always hear people talk- 
ing downstairs, couldn’t we, Dorothea?” she 
said, speaking out loud, for there was nobody 
to hear. It was never still like this. I don’t 
think I like very still places, especially at night. 
I guess I’ll shut my eyes, and try to go right to 
sleep, and then when I wake up it will be morn- 
ing.” 

She did shut her eyes, but the harder she 
tried to go to sleep, the more wide awake she 
seemed to grow. It was very still. The only 
sounds to be heard were the ticking of the big 
clock on the stairs, and the occasional footstep 


132 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


of a passer by in the quiet street. She strained 
her ears, in the vain hope of hearing the ser- 
vants’ voices, and once she crept out of bed, and 
went to the head of the stairs to listen, but all 
was silent. 

“ I wish the kitchen wasn’t quite so far away,” 
she said, getting into bed again. And in spite 
of her intention to be brave, her teeth chattered 
a little. “ Oh, Dorothea dear, if you were only 
a person instead of a doll, what a great comfort 
you would be ! ” 

It had been a very warm evening, but as 
Peggy lay tossing from side to side, trying to 
assure herself that she wasn’t the least bit fright- 
ened, a little breeze sprang up, and coming in 
through the open window, fanned the child’s hot 
cheeks and damp forehead. It was very pleas- 
ant, and the sound of the wind in the trees was 
pleasant too, for it broke the oppressive stillness. 
Peggy breathed a sigh of relief, and for the first 
time a feeling of drowsiness began to steal over 
her. 

She must have fallen asleep, for the next thing 
she knew she had started up, wide awake again, 
roused by a strange, unfamiliar sound. The 
wind was blowing through the room in gusts 


A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 133 

now, and the door, which she had purposely left 
wide open, suddenly shut with a slam. 

‘‘ What is it — oh, Dorothea, what is it ? ” cried 
Peggy, clasping Dorothea in real terror this 
time. “ It sounds like an earthquake, and, oh, 
that dreadful light in the sky.” 

Just then a vivid flash of lightning lit up the 
room, and was followed by a long low rumble 
of thunder. With a scream, Peggy was out of 
bed and at the door. 

Christine, Christine,” she shrieked, rushing 
out into the hall, and still clutching Dorothea 
tight ; where are you ? Is it an earthquake or 
a volcano? Oh, Christine, please come quick. 
Pm so frightened.” 

But there was no answer; everything in the 
house was very quiet. Peggy stood quite still 
for a moment, and then at sight of another flash 
of that strange, mysterious light, she forgot that 
she was in her nightgown, and that her feet were 
bare — forgot everything in the world but the 
desire to be near somebody — and with another 
terrified scream, she flew down the stairs, across 
the front hall, and with trembling hands, pushed 
open the door that communicated with the back 
part of the house. 


134 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Christine,” she cried, piteously ; please 
don’t be angry; I had to come, I was so fright- 
ened — why, where ” 

Peggy got no further, for with a flash the 
dreadful truth was revealed to her. The kitchen 
was empty. 

It is an earthquake ; oh, it must be one ! ” 
screamed the poor, terrified child. The house 
is going to fall, and they’ve run out, Christine 
and the cook too. Oh, what shall I do — what 
shall I do?” 

Half beside herself with fright, she darted 
towards the open back door. A gust of wind 
blew in her face, but she scarcely felt it, and in 
another moment the little white clad, barefoot 
girl, was flying down the path. At that very 
moment Christine, hot and breathless, was hur- 
rying up the front steps; but she did not see 
Peggy, nor did the child see her. 

We’ve got to find somebody, Dorothea; 
we’ve got to keep right on running till we come 
to people,” gasped Peggy, as another flash of 
lightning dazzled her eyes, and was followed by 
a peal of thunder louder than any she had yet 
heard. ‘‘ It’s dreadful to be out in the street 
in my nightgown, and without any shoes or 



“ Save me, save me ! ” 


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A DISAPPOINTMENT AND A FRIGHT 135 

stockings, but in earthquakes people don’t mind 
such things. Oh, how it does rain ! ” 

Down came the rain, with a rush and a roar, 
drenching the poor little girl to the skin in a mo- 
ment. On and on she ran, neither knowing nor 
caring in what direction, while the lightning 
flashed, and the thunder pealed over her head. 
To find somebody who would take care of her; 
that was her one desire, but every one appeared 
to be in-doors, for she ran several blocks without 
meeting a single human being. Then, suddenly, 
on turning a sharp corner, her straining eyes 
caught sight of an approaching figure, and with 
a cry of joy and relief, she rushed towards it, 
both arms outstretched. 

Save me, save me ! ” shrieked Peggy. 
‘‘ Oh, I’m so frightened ! ” and with a hysterical 
scream, the poor child flung herself into the arms 
of a tall gentleman, who stopped short, in sheer 
amazement, and stood gazing down at the drip- 
ping, trembling little figure, for a moment, very 
much as if he found some difficulty in believing 
the evidence of his own senses. 


CHAPTER IX 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 

HE next thing Peggy remembered was 



something hot being poured down her 


throat, and a confused sensation of 


mingled voices and lights. She was lying back 
in a big rocker, close to a fire, and in a room 
which appeared to be a kitchen. There were 
several people crowded about her, all talking ex- 
citedly, and a gentleman with a very kind face, 
was on his knees beside her, holding a spoon 
to her lips. Peggy stared about her for a mo- 
ment in puzzled bewilderment, and then came 
a rush of memory, and she began to tremble 


again. 


‘‘Was it an earthquake?” she inquired, 
faintly; gazing up into the kind face bending 
over her. 

“An earthquake? No, indeed,” responded a 
cheery voice. “ It was only a thunder storm, 
and not a very bad one either. What in the 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 


137 


world made you think it was an earthquake ? ” 
“I don’t know,” said Peggy; ‘‘I thought it 
must be ; there was such a dreadful noise, and the 
light was so queer. Fraulein told me about 
thunder storms, but I didn’t know they were like 
that. We don’t have them in California. They 
are very terrible, aren’t they?” 

“ Oh, no, they’re not. Now swallow this, and 
you’ll feel better.” 

Peggy swallowed a few drops from the spoon 
the gentleman was holding to her lips, and it 
made her cough and choke. Then she discov- 
ered that she was wrapped in a coat, which had 
presumably belonged to the same gentleman, as 
he was now in his shirt sleeves, and drops of 
rain were glistening all over him. 

‘‘ I think I feel better,” she announced, sitting 
up. ‘‘ I’m very warm.” 

“ That’s good, and now here comes my 
mother. She is the best person in the world 
to take care of people when they are ill or fright- 
ened.” 

My dear Maurice,” exclaimed an astonished 

voice in the door-way ; what in the world ” 

The speaker paused abruptly, for with a cry 
of joyful recognition, Peggy had leaned forward, 
stretching out both hands. 


138 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


“ Why, it’s Mrs. Rutherford,” she exclaimed. 

Don’t you know me, Mrs. Rutherford ? I’m 
the little girl who came with Tilly Winkler this 
morning.” 

“To be sure you are,” said Mrs. Rutherford, 
hurrying forward, “but why in the world — 
good gracious, Maurice, the child is in her night- 
gown and bare feet ! ” 

“ I know. That’s why I brought her in here, 
I thought the kitchen fire was the best place for 
her.” 

“ But where did she come from ? How did 
you find her ? ” 

“ I will tell you later, but just at present the 
most important thing to be done is* to get the 
poor little thing into a warm bed before she is 
chilled through. I will carry her upstairs, and 
you and Jennie can do the rest.” 

Mrs. Rutherford assented, though she still 
looked very much bewildered, and five minutes 
later Peggy was being rubbed and dried, and 
cared for, in a way that was decidedly comfort- 
able. The thunder still growled, and there were 
occasional flashes of lightning, but she no 
longer felt in the least afraid. 

“ And now, Maurice, perhaps you may be able 
to tell me the meaning of all this amazing busi- 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 


139 


ness/^ Mrs. Rutherford said, laughing, when 
Peggy, warm and dry, and wrapped in a flannel 
dressing-gown, had been comfortably tucked up 
in bed, and Mrs. Rutherford’s son had come in 
for another look at his patient. 

‘‘To tell the truth, mother, I don’t know very 
much myself,” the gentleman answered. “ I 
was hurrying home in the storm, when I saw 
something white rushing towards me, and be- 
fore I had time to make out what it was, this 
little girl collapsed in my arms. She was evi- 
dently frightened out of her senses.” 

“ You see, I thought it was an earthquake,” 
explained Peggy, raising herself on her elbow, 
“ and I was so frightened. I never saw a thun- 
der storm before, because I’ve lived in Califor- 
nia ever since I was four, and we don’t have 
them there. My sister and brother were out at 
a dinner party, and when I couldn’t find Chris- 
tine or the cook, I thought they had run out, be- 
cause they were afraid the house was going to 
fall, so I ran too. Oh, where is Dorothea?” 

“ Dorothea ? ” Dr. Rutherford repeated, look- 
ing puzzled; “ Who is she? ” 

“ She’s my doll. Oh, I hope I didn’t drop 
her.” 

“ I will try to find her for you ; don’t be so 


140 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


distressed, but now I want you to tell us your 
name. We must let your friends know where 
you are, or they may be frightened about you.’’ 

My name is Peggy Lee,” said Peggy, read- 
ily. ‘‘ My sister is Miss Edith Lee, and we live 
on 

Edith Lee ! ” cried the doctor and his mother 
both together, and Mrs. Rutherford added, in 
growing astonishment 

But I thought you were a friend of the 
Winkler child. You came with her.” 

“ I’m not exactly a friend of hers,” said 
Peggy, “ but I was so sorry for her, because she 
had to carry that heavy basket, and so I came 
with her, and we carried it together. I haven’t 
many friends yet; I only came yesterday.” 

‘‘ That explains it,” said Dr. Rutherford to 
his mother. ‘‘ I knew the Lees had a younger 
sister living in California with their grand- 
mother, but I did not know they were expecting 
a visit from her. I must let Edith know at once 
where she is.” And he hurried away, without 
waiting for any further explanation. 

Then Mrs. Rutherford — who seemed a very 
kind, motherly lady — sat down by the bedside, 
and holding Peggy’s hand in hers, listened with 
much interest to the little girl’s story, of how 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 141 

she had come all the way from California to see 
her sister and brother, and the delightful surprise 
she had given them both. 

And what did your- sister say when she heard 
you had been helping Tilly Winkler carry home 
the clean clothes ? she inquired with a smile, 
when Peggy paused at last. 

“ Why, I haven’t told her yet,” said Peggy. 

You see, she had to go to New York this morn- 
ing, and when she came back another lady was 
with her; I didn’t like to interrupt at luncheon, 
and afterwards I forgot all about it. Edith is 
a very busy young lady; I think perhaps she 
doesn’t have much time to listen to things.” 

‘‘ She went to a dinner party this evening, 
you say ? ” 

“ Yes, and Harry, too. They told Christine 
to take care of me, but I think she must have 
been so much frightened by the thunder storm 
that she ran out the same as I did. Oh, Mrs. 
Rutherford I’m so worried about Dorothea.” 

Before Mrs. Rutherford could answer, her 
son came back into the room. 

“ The telephone has been put out of order by 
the storm,” he said, hurriedly. “ I will go over 
to the Lees’ on my wheel. They may not have 
discovered anything yet. It is only just ten.” 


142 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Very well, dear. Tell Edith not to worry ; 
we will take good care of the little girl to-night, 
and she can send her clothes over in the morn- 
ing. I hope you won’t be drenched again.” 

“ The storm is almost over,” said the doctor, 
cheerfully. Good-night, little Miss Peggy. 
The sooner you get to sleep the better it will be 
for you.” 

Good-night,” said Peggy, holding out her 
hand. ‘‘ Please tell Edith I’m all right, and 
not a bit frightened any more. I suppose Harry 
will think I’m a baby.” Peggy’s lip trembled, 
and the tears came into her eyes. 

“ Oh, no he won’t,” said the doctor, and he 
took the little outstretched hand, and shook it 
gently. “ Grown-up people are sometimes 
afraid of thunder storms, and to a little girl, 
who has lived all her life in California, where 
they are almost unknown, it must have seemed 
very frightful. Now don’t think any more about 
it, but go to sleep as soon as you can. My 
mother will take good care of you, and you shall 
go home early in the morning.” 

‘‘ Your mother is a very kind lady,” said 
Peggy, with a grateful glance at Mrs. Ruther- 
ford, ‘‘ but I do hope you can find Dorothea ; 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 


143 


rm SO worried about her. Do you know my 
sister very well ? ” 

“ Yes, I know her very well indeed.'^ 

“ Don^t you think she’s the loveliest young 
lady you ever saw ? ” inquired Peggy, eagerly. 

‘‘ She is certainly very lovely,” the doctor an- 
swered, in a tone of such hearty conviction, that 
Peggy was quite satisfied. 

‘‘ If I only knew my dear Dorothea was safe, 
I think I should be very comfortable indeed,” 
she said, nestling down in the soft warm bed, as 
Dr. Rutherford left the room. ‘‘ I’m afraid 
I must have dropped her in the street when I 
was so frightened, and if I did I’m sure she must 
be very wet.” 

Mrs. Rutherford assured her that search 
should be made for the missing Dorothea, and 
then, after kissing the little girl affectionately, 
she put out the light, and left the room, remark- 
ing that Peggy might feel quite comfortable, as 
her own room was just across the hall, and she 
would leave both doors wide open. 

The rain had ceased, and the moon was just 
breaking through the clouds, as Dr. Rutherford 
left his house, and springing on to his bicycle, 
sped away along the wet streets, in the direction 


144 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


of the Lee’s. He had not gone far when his eye 
was caught by a white object lying on the side- 
walk, which on closer inspection, proved to be 
the deserted Dorothea; soaked, bedraggled, and 
with a long crack right across her nose. 

Poor little girl,” the doctor said, with a 
smile, as he shook out Dorothea’s dripping gar- 
ments and deposited her in his overcoat pocket; 

I suppose she will be quite heart-broken, but we 
may be thankful that the calamity was no worse. 
How could Edith have been so thoughtless as to 
leave that nervous, excitable child with no one to 
look after her properly? I hope she hasn’t been 
frightened to death about her.” 

There were signs of unusual excitement about 
the Lees’ house, as Dr. Rutherford approached 
it. The front door stood wide open; figures 
were moving hurriedly about, and he caught the 
sound of eager, excited voices. As he turned 
in at the gate, he encountered Harry Lee hurry- 
ing down the path. 

‘‘ Hello, Harry ! ” called the doctor, cheerfully ; 
anything wrong ? ” 

‘‘ I should say there was. Our little sis- 
ter ” 

Harry got no further, for at that moment a 
tall figure in a white dress, came running down 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 


145 


the front steps, and the doctor caught a glimpse 
of a pale, distressed face, and a pair of terri- 
fied blue eyes. 

“ Oh, Maurice,’’ sobbed Edith, seizing her 
friend’s arm, and scarcely conscious of what she 
said or did in her nervous excitement ; such a 
frightful thing has happened. My little sister 
has been stolen.” 

Oh, no, she hasn’t,” said the doctor, smiling 
reassuringly. “ Your little sister is safe and 
sound at my house, in proof of which fact look 
here.” And he held up the battered Dorothea 
for Edith’s inspection. 

“ At your house ! ” cried Edith and Harry 
both together. How in the world ” 

‘‘ Come and sit down, and I’ll tell you all about 
it. Don’t tremble so, Edith; I assure you there 
is nothing seriously wrong.” 

And then, in a few words, the doctor told his 
story, to which his two companions listened in 
breathless interest. 

That wretched Christine ! ” exclaimed Edith, 
when she had heard all there was to tell ; how 
dared she leave the child alone, when I particu- 
larly left Peggy in her charge? She says she 
only ran in next door for a moment to speak to 
the Miller’s maid, but the cook was out, and 


146 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


there was no one in the house. I shall dismiss 
her at once.” 

I am afraid Christine is not a safe person 
in whose hands to trust a nervous child,” said 
the doctor, rather gravely. Edith’s eyes drooped 
in sudden self-reproach. ^ 

You are sure the poor little kid won’t be 
any the worse for the affair ? ” Harry asked, 
anxiously. 

“ I don’t think it has hurt her at all, thank’s 
to my mother’s prompt action, but she must have 
had a severe nervous shock. Thunder storms 
are not common in California, and the child had 
never happened to see one. It isn’t surprising 
that she was frightened.” 

I thought of her when the storm came up,” 
said Edith, remorsefully. “ I hoped she 
wouldn’t be frightened, but of course I supposed 
Christine was with her. We had just left the 
dinner table when I was told some one wanted 
to speak to me, and in the hall I found Christine, 
dripping, and almost speechless with terror. She 
had tried to get us on the telephone, but it was 
out of order, and so she had run all the way to 
the Parker’s in the rain. It seems, she went up- 
stairs to close the windows, and discovered that 


FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE 


147 


Peggy was gone. Of course my first thought 
was that the child had been stolen.’ ' 

“ Children are not often stolen in these days,” 
said the doctor, smiling. Detectives and tele- 
phones make that sort of thing rather too diffi- 
cult. Your little sister is a very attractive child, 
Edith; mother and I have both taken a great 
fancy to her.” 

“ She is a sweet little thing,” said Edith, 
heartily. “ She will only be with us for a month 
or two, but I will never leave her alone again at 
night; that is, unless I have a really trustworthy 
person to look after her.” 

I wouldn’t if I were you,” said the doctor, 
dryly, and then they all went into the house to- 
gether. 


CHAPTER X 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER AND ENTERTAINS A 
VISITOR 


“ Montclair, New Jersey, 

‘‘ May 27TH. 

EAR Winifred, — 

‘‘ I said I would write you a letter, 



^ and I think I will do it this afternoon, 
because Edith is out, and I am all alone 
with Joanna. Joanna is the waitress, and she is 
much nicer than Christine, who was here when I 
came, but she isn’t very fond of talking, and only 
says “ Yes, Miss,” and ‘‘ No Miss,” most of the 


time. 


‘‘ Edith sent Christine away because she went 
out and left me alone in a thunder storm. Thun- 
der storms are very frightening things I think, 
but Dr. Rutherford says the reason I felt that 
way about them is because I have always lived 
in California, and when I get used to them I 
won’t mind them so much. When I see you I 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 


149 


will tell you about all that happened the night of 
the storm, but I don’t like writing it, because I 
am afraid I was very silly and babyish. I 
was a coward, too, for I dropped poor Dorothea, 
and there is a dreadful crack in her nose. Harry 
says I deserted my child, and he teases me dread- 
fully about it. I am afraid Harry thinks me a 
very silly person; even sillier than Dick and 
Charlie did. I wish I could do something brave, 
so he would like me better, but I am afraid I 
can’t, because I never did anything that was the 
least bit brave in my life. 

I am beginning to love Harry, though he 
does tease. He is very handsome, and all the 
young ladies like him very much. He is kind 
to me, too, even if he doesn’t admire me, and 
last night he brought me a lovely box of candy. 

‘‘ A great many young ladies come here, and 
some young gentlemen too. They come to see 
Edith, because she is such a favorite. She says 
I may have you to spend the day some time, if 
you can get some one to bring you, and I do hope 
you can, because I want to see you so much. 
She is the most beautiful young lady that ever 
lived, and I can’t tell you how much I love her. 

I think she is very fond of me, too, and ,we have 
beautiful times together. I hook her waists in 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


150 

the back, and button her boots, and she says I 
am a great help. I don’t think Joanna is much 
of a help; she can’t see very well, and is rather 
old. Edith says she took her because she was 
willing to come. She says when people live in 
the country they have to take the maids who 
are willing to come, because a great many won’t. 

Of all the peopk who come here, I like Dr. 
Rutherford best. He took me to his house the 
night of the thunder storm, and his mother was 
lovely. I stayed all night, and Edith came in 
the morning, and brought my clothes. Edith 
was so good; she kissed me ever so many times, 
and never scolded me a bit for being a coward. 
Dr. Rutherford admires Edith very much, which 
is one reason why I am so fond of him, but his 
mother says he is good to everybody, and I 
guess he is. 

‘‘ The day Edith went to New York to get 
Joanna, Mrs. Rutherford asked me to lunch, and 
I had a lovely time. She had a little girl once, 
whose name was Alice, and who died of diph- 
theria when she was twelve. Diphtheria is a 
very bad thing to have, and you generally die 
when you get it, or else you give it to other peo- 
ple and they die. The boy who gave it to Alice 
didn’t die, but Alice did, and I should think 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 151 

Mrs. Rutherford would have felt very badly 
whenever she saw him, but she says it wasn’t 
his fault, and she is very thankful he was spared 
to his parents. I think that shows she must be 
very good, and Edith says she is. I asked 
Edith if Dr. Rutherford wasn’t very good, too, 
but she only laughed, and there was such a pretty 
color in her cheeks. She calls Dr. Rutherford, 
Maurice, but of course I don’t. 

“ This is a very long letter, but I like to 
write, and it is nice to have something to do 
when every one is out. I think I am as fond of 
writing as Lulu Bell only I never could write 
stories the way she does. I told Edith that one 
about the discovery of New Haven, that you 
said her aunt put in a book, and she laughed, 
and said it was very funny. I don’t think it was 
meant to be funny exactly, but Edith laughs a 
great deal about things. ^ 

All the people who come here are kind to me, 
but they are grown up. I wish I knew some 
nice little girls, but Edith doesn’t know any, so 
of course I can’t either. Tilly Winkler is nice, 
and I admire her, because she is so good to her 
little sisters, but I have only seen her once. Her 
mother has to go out washing, and she takes 
care of her two little sisters all day, though she 


152 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


is only ten. I hope she will bring them to see 
me some time. 

‘'Now I shall have to stop, because my hand 
is getting very tired. This is the longest letter 
I ever wrote; Fraulein’s and Aunt Mary’s were 
only half as long, but you are my best friend. 
Please give my love to your father and mother. 
I think your mother and Mrs. Rutherford are 
the two nicest ladies I ever knew, except Edith. 
Of course she is the dearest, but then, she is my 
own precious sister. 

“ With a great deal of love, I am, 

“ Your very dear friend, 

“ Peggy Lee.” 

Having read over this long letter, with much 
pride, Peggy folded it carefully, put it in an 
envelope, and addressed it to “ Miss Winifred 
Hamilton.” 

“ I think she will like it,” she said to herself. 
“ It does sound very interesting, and it’s just as 
long as the letters Lulu Bell used to write to her 
when she was in California. She kept them all 
in a box, and read them over ever so many times 
in the train. I wonder if she’ll keep mine in a 
box, too; it would be very complimentary if she 
did.” 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 


153 


Peggy sighed, and a wistful look crept into 
her face. The fact was, she had missed the 
pleasant little companion of her journey very 
much, and there were times when life at Mont- 
clair had proved just a trifle dull. She wor- 
shipped her sister with an adoring affection, that 
Edith herself never suspected, and she was really 
very happy ; but she was only ten, and the society 
of grown-up people is sometimes a little weari- 
some to children. It was a rainy afternoon, and 
Edith was out. She had grown a little tired of 
doing nothing in particular, and the writing of 
this long letter to Winifred, had proved a great 
solace. 

The letter being finished, however, there really 
seemed nothing else to do, and a glance at the 
library clock assured her that it was only half- 
past four. 

“ I guess ril bring Dorothea downstairs for a 
little change,'’ she decided. “ I can take her up 
again before Harry comes home." 

Accordingly, she left the library, where she 
had been writing, and going up to her own room, 
tenderly lifted from one of the bureau drawers — 
which she had converted into a sleeping apart- 
ment for Dorothea — the battered remains of 
what had once been the pretty French doll. 


154 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


You poor darling/’ she murmured, softly 
kissing the cracked nose, and smoothing the 
straggly wig, that had once been curly ; “ were 
you very lonely all by yourself? It seems a 
shame to hide you like this, but I can’t bear to 
hear people make impolite remarks about you, es- 
pecially when I know it was all my fault. Oh, 
Dorothea dear, it’s dreadful to know you’ve been 
a coward, and to have your brother tease you 
about it ! ” 

There were actually tears in Peggy’s eyes, 
but Dorothea’s countenance as usual, remained 
immovable. 

I used to wish you could talk, and understand 
things,” the little girl went on, as she carried 
her forlorn treasure tenderly downstairs ; but 
now I think I’m rather glad you’re only a doll, 
because dolls can’t blame people, even when 
they’ve been cowards. Now we’re going to sit 
in the parlor window, and watch for the post- 
man, so I can give him Winifred’s letter. I’ll 
turn your face away from the light, so nobody 
can see how you look. I don’t mind the least 
bit myself, you know, because I love you even 
better than I did when you were pretty, but if I 
had a crack in my nose, I don’t believe I should 
like to have strangers see it, and perhaps you 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 


155 


feel the same way, only you can’t talk about it.” 

For the next fifteen minutes Peggy sat staring 
out at the falling rain. Then the postman’s 
whistle sounded, and she flew to the front door, 
to take in the afternoon mail, and to confide her 
precious letter to his care. She was just turning 
back into the house, when the sight of a familiar 
figure coming up the walk, brought a bright 
smile of welcome to her lips. 

Oh, Dr. Rutherford, I’m so glad to see you,” 
she cried joyously, running out on to the piazza 
to greet her friend. 

Hello, little one ! ” said the doctor, pleas- 
antly. Is your sister at home ? ” 

‘‘ No, she isn’t; she’s gone to a card party, but 
I wish you would come in and see me. I’ll ask 
Joanna to make you some tea the way she does 
when people come to see Edith, and it’s been a 
very long afternoon all by myself.” 

The doctor laughed, but looked a little sorry, 
too, and he accepted Peggy’s invitation so read- 
ily, that the little girl felt very much flattered. 

“ Now, please sit down in the big chair by the 
window,” she commanded, when she had taken- 
the visitor into the parlor, '' and I’ll run and tell 
Joanna about the tea. I’ll be right back.” And 
away she flew, feeling very important indeed, for 


156 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGV 


this was the first'time she had ever had a grown- 
up visitor all to herself. 

When she returned, after giving her directions 
to Joanna, she found Dr. Rutherford carefully 
unwrapping a large pasteboard box, which he 
had been carrying. 

‘‘ Is it flowers for Edith ? ” Peggy inquired, 
eagerly. ‘‘ Those you sent her last week were 
beautiful, and she took such good care of them. 
No, it can’t be; it doesn’t look like a flower-box.” 

“Open .it, and see for yourself,” said the doc- 
tor, smiling; and Peggy, very much interested, 
and not a little mystified as well, lifted the cover 
of the box. Next moment she uttered a cry of 
joyful astonishment. 

“Why, it’s a doll; a beautiful doll! Oh, Dr. 
Rutherford, what are you going to do with her? 
Is she a present for some little girl ? ” 

“ She certainly is a present for a little girl,” 
said the doctor, laughing. “ Take the young lady 
out of the box, and see how you like her.” 

“ She’s beautiful,” said Peggy, lifting the doll 
from its tissue paper wrappings, and regarding 
it with admiring eyes. “ She looks something 
like Dorothea did when she was new, but even 
Dorothea never had such lovely clothes as this 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 


157 


one has. How glad that little girl will be. 
Does she live in Montclair ? ’’ 

Yes, she lives in Montclair, or at least, she 
is staying here for the present. How do you 
think Dorothea would like to have a new sister ? 

sister? You mean — oh. Dr. Rutherford, 
you mean you are going to give her to me!” 
Peggy’s eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks 
flushing with pleasure. 

The doctor nodded. 

“ What a very kind gentleman you are,” said 
Peggy, and she spoke from the very bottom of 
her honest little heart. 

The doctor laughed again, and said, ‘‘ What 
nonsense;” but he looked more than a little 
pleased, notwithstanding. 

‘‘And how is the unfortunate Dorothea?” he 
asked, by way of preventing any more expres- 
sions of gratitude on Peggy’s part. 

Peggy’s bright face clouded a little. 

“ She’s pretty well,” she said. “ I wish peo- 
ple wouldn’t laugh about her, though; it makes 
me so uncomfortable, because if I hadn’t been a 
coward she would be all right.” 

“ Yoii poor conscientious little girl,” Dr. Ruth- 
erford said, and, with a sudden impulse, he drew 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


IS8 

Peggy to him, and lifted her on his knee. I 
promise never to speak of Dorothea as unfortu- 
nate again. There, is that all right ? '' 

“ Yes,” said Peggy, smiling, though her lip 
trembled a little. ‘‘ I know people don't mean 
to make me uncomfortable, but you see, I was a 
dreadful coward that night, and Pm so ashamed 
whenever I think about it. Of course Dorothea 
can't understand when people say things, because 
she's only a doll, but sometimes — I suppose it's 
very silly — but I can’t help feeling as if she could. 
And then I think how she must despise me. A 
person would despise another person, who had 
let her drop and crack her nose, just because 
she was frightened ; don’t you think so ? ” 

Dr. Rutherford found some difficulty in re- 
pressing a smile, but he was really touched by 
Peggy’s remorse. 

“You are a good little mother, Peggy,” he 
said. “ I wish some real mothers felt more as 
you do about their responsibilities. Ah, here 
comes Joanna with the tea. Are you going to 
pour me out a cup ? ” 

It was pretty to see Peggy doing the honors of 
the tea table, and Dr. Rutherford, and even the 
stolid Joanna, watched her with a smile. 

“ It’s the first time I ever made tea for any 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 


159 


one/' she explained anxiously, “ but I think it 
looks all right. Please taste it, and tell me if it 
is." 

“ It's delicious," the visitor declared, so heart- 
ily that Peggy’s bosom swelled with pride. 

“ And what have you been doing all the after- 
noon ? " Dr. Rutherford inquired, as he sipped 
his tea. Joanna had left the room, and he and 
Peggy were once more alone together. 

“ Oh, I did several things," said Peggy, cheer- 
fully. “ First, I watered the flowers — Edith 
said I could — and then I looked out of the win- 
dow, and watched the children coming home 
from school. After that I wrote a very long let- 
ter to my friend Winifred Hamilton." 

‘‘ The Hamiltons are the people who brought 
you on from California, are they not?" 

“ Yes, and Winifred is my best friend. She's 
really the only little girl friend I ever had, except 
Maud Eliot, and we weren’t exactly friends, only 
cousins. I wish Winifred lived in Montclair 
instead of New York, because then I could see 
her oftener.” 

“ There are some nice little girls in Montclair," 
the doctor said. You must get acquainted 
with them." 

I should like to, but Edith doesn’t know their 


i6o BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

mothers. I suppose I shall go to school next 
winter, and then of course I shall know a great 
many children. I never went to school in Cali- 
fornia, because I always had Fraulein, but I think 
I should like it.’’ 

‘‘You expect to be here next winter, then?” 
The doctor was regarding her with a rather 
troubled look in his kind eyes. 

“ Why, yes, of course,” said Peggy, laughing. 
“ I’m always going to live here with Edith and 
Harry. You didn’t think I was going back to 
California, did you?” 

Dr. Rutherford was spared the necessity of a 
reply, for at that moment Peggy caught sight 
of her sister coming up the walk, and with an 
eager, “ I’ll let her in ! ” she flew to open the 
front door. 

Edith came in, looking very bright and pretty, 
and Dr. Rutherford noticed with what adoring 
eyes Peggy followed every movement of her sis- 
ter’s. 

“ Please let me pour out your tea, Edith,” she 
begged. “ I did it for Dr. Rutherford, and he 
said it was delicious.” 

Edith laughed, but consented good-naturedly, 
and Peggy was radiantly happy. 

“Just look at the beautiful doll Dr. Ruther- 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER i6i 

ford brought me/’ she cried joyfully, displaying 
her new treasure for Edith’s inspection. ‘‘ She’s 
going to be Dorothea’s sister, and of course I 
shall love her very much, but I must love Doro- 
thea best, because I let her fall. Isn’t Dr. Ruth- 
erford kind ? ” 

He is certainly kind to you,” Edith said, and 
her eyes danced mischievously, like her brother’s, 
as she glanced at the visitor. ‘‘ I hope you 
haven’t been lonely, pussy-cat,” she added, de- 
murely. 

‘‘ Oh no,” said Peggy. I was just telling Dr. 
Rutherford about the things I’ve been doing, 
and, oh, Edith, he said such a funny thing. I 
said I supposed I should go to school next win- 
ter, and he asked me if I expected to be here then. 
Wasn’t that funny? Just as if I would ever go 
away again, after coming all the way from Cali- 
fornia.” 

Edith said nothing, but she suddenly grew 
rather red, and changed the subject by asking 
the visitor a question about his mother. 

Your little sister is devoted to you,” the doc- 
tor said, when Peggy had gone away to show her 
new doll to Joanna and the cook. 

She is a darling,” said Edith. ‘‘ Harry and 
I are both growing very fond of her.” 


i 62 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


'' She evidently has no suspicion of the fact 
that she is not to spend the rest of her life in 
Montclair.” 

Edith looked uncomfortable. 

‘‘ I know she hasn’t,” she said, and it bothers 
me a good deal. How am I ever going to make 
her understand without hurting her feelings ? ” 

You still intend to send her back to Cali- 
fornia, then?” 

The doctor’s tone was a little grave, and he 
looked at Edith keenly as he spoke. But she did 
not meet his direct gaze, as she answered the 
question. 

Why, yes, of course. What in the world 
could Harry and I do with a child on our hands ? 
I shall keep her as long as I can, but I am invited 
to visit at Bar Harbor in July, and of course I 
couldn’t take her there with me. My aunt writes 
that some friends of hers, who are now in Eu- 
rope, expect to return to California in about six- 
weeks, and she has written to ask if they would 
be willing to look after Peggy on the journey.” 

I am afraid it will be a very keen disappoint- 
ment to the poor little girl, when she learns the 
truth,” the doctor said, and there was no doubt 
about the gravity of his tone this time. Now 


PEGGY WRITES A LETTER 163 

I must be off, as I have a patient to see before 
dinner/’ 

‘‘ It’s very tiresome in Maurice to take things 
so seriously,” Edith said to herself, as she 
watched the doctor’s tall figure disappearing 
down the street. ‘‘ Of course I shall keep Peggy 
just as long as I can, and do everything in my 
power to give her a good time while she stays, 
but to have her always — O dear ! I wish people 
wouldn’t say things to make me uncomfortable.” 


CHAPTER XI 


THE WINKLERS COME TO CALL 

E dith was giving a luncheon party. 
It was to be a very grand occasion in- 
deed, and Peggy was much impressed 
by the magnificence of the preparations. Grand- 
ma had never given parties of any kind, and this 
was the first time since she could remember, that 
the little girl had ever been in a house where an 
entertainment was to take place. All the morn- 
ing she had been trotting about, helping Edith 
and Joanna, and really making herself very use- 
ful. She had brought in armfuls of flowers; 
had filled the parlor vases; assisted in wiping 
the best china, and finally, giving the finishing 
touches to her sister’s toilet. Now everything 
was ready; the table set; the white-capped wait- 
ress, hired to assist Joanna, arrived, and from 
her window, Peggy had watched the ladies, in 
their pretty summer dresses, coming up the walk. 
She herself, had been given an early lunch, 
164 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 165 

and had retired from the scene of action before 
the arrival of the guests. 

** They’re all here now,” she announced to 
Dorothea and her new sister Alice — named for 
Mrs. Rutherford. “ Edith said there were to 
be only twelve, and I’ve counted them all. It 
must be very nice to be a grown-up young lady. 
I suppose it will be a good while before I can 
go to lunch parties, because I’m only ten, and 
Edith says people aren’t grown-up till they’re 
eighteen, but I can help get ready for other peo- 
ple’s parties, anyway, and I guess that’s just as 
much fun. Now, as they’re all in the dining- 
room, and nobody can see us, I think I’ll take 
you both out in the garden for a little while.” 

Having dressed her children, and put on her 
own hat, Peggy stole softly downstairs, so as 
not to be heard by the visitors, and had just 
stepped out on the piazza, when she caught sight 
of three small figures coming up the path from 
the gate. 

Why, it’s Tilly Winkler,” she exclaimed, in 
pleased surprise, ‘‘ and those two little girls must 
be her sisters.” And hastily depositing Doro- 
thea and Alice in a chair, she ran down the steps 
to greet her friend. 

How do you do?” said Tilly, who was 


i66 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


beaming with satisfaction. I’ve brought Cora 
and Minna.” 

I’m very glad to see you all,” said Peggy, 
with a friendly glance at the two very fat little 
Winklers, whose hair, like their elder sister’s, was 
done up in tight pig tails, and whose faces were 
shining from a vigorous application of soap and 
water. Won’t you ” — she paused, uncertain 
whether it would be best to take the visitors in. 

We was coming before,” Tilly explained, 
only mother was making a new dress for 
Minna, and we had to wait till it was done. 
She’s got it on now; don’t you think it’s real 
pretty?” 

“ It’s — it’s very bright,” said Peggy, regard- 
ing Minna’s large plaid a little doubtfully. I 
should think it would be a nice, cheerful color.” 

Tilly looked pleased. 

We all like it,” she said. Minna feels real 
grand in it; don’t you. Baby? ” 

Minna’s only answer was to nod her braids 
violently, and put her fat thumb into her mouth. 

She can talk plain enough when she wants 
to,” said Tilly, “ but she’s awful shy with folks 
she don’t know. I guess she’ll talk all right 
when she’s been here a while.” 

I want to see the inside of your house,” an- 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 167 

nounced six-year-old Cora. Cora at least was 
not troubled with shyness. 

'' Yes, oh, yes, of course you shall,’’ said 
Peggy, hurriedly. “ I was only wondering 
where we’d better go. You see, my sister is 
having a luncheon party.” 

“ I want some lunch, too.” said Cora. Have 
they got ice-cream ? ” 

‘‘Oh, Cora,” remonstrated Tilly; “it ain’t 
polite to talk like that. Ain’t she cute, though ? ” 
she added, in a perfectly audible whisper, to 
Peggy. 

“ Very,” Peggy agreed, politely. “ I know 
what we’ll do,” she added, with a sudden inspi- 
ration. “ I’ll take you up to my room, and we 
can play there till the company go, and then I 
can ask Edith to give us all some ice-cream.” 

“ Maybe it’ll be all gone if we don’t get it 
quick,” objected Cora. At which Tilly giggled, 
and remarked ; “ Oh, you greedy young one ! ” 

Peggy was a little troubled. 

“ I’m afraid we couldn’t possibly have any 
yet,” she said, “because the company haven’t 
had it, but it won’t be so very long to wait. 
Can’t you stay and spend the afternoon ? ” 

“ That’s what we come for,” said Tilly. “ We 
can stay just as long as you want us. Mother’s 


i68 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


out washing to-day, and she won’t be home till 
late.” 

We didn’t eat much dinner, ’cause Tilly said 
maybe you’d give us something good,” observed 
Cora, with painful frankness. 

Peggy blushed. 

I wish I could,” she said, apologetically. I 
had some very nice candy, that my brother 
brought me, but I’m afraid it’s nearly all eaten 
up. I think there are a few chocolates left, 
though. Shall we come upstairs now ? ” 

The visitors assented, and the four little girls 
went up the piazza steps together, Minna cling- 
ing to Tilly’s hand, and still keeping her thumb 
in her mouth. 

‘‘Are them your dolls?” Cora inquired, as 
Peggy paused to collect her family. My, what 
an awful crack that one’s got on her nose. Did 
you drop her? ” 

Peggy’s eyes drooped, and the color deepened 
in her cheeks. 

‘‘ Yes, I did,” she admitted, reluctantly. I’d 
rather not talk about it, though, if you don’t 
mind. Now, will you please go rather quietly 
up to my room, so as not to disturb the luncheon 
party?” 

So the four children tiptoed softly into the 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 169 


house, and up to Peggy’s room, where the hos- 
tess hastened to comfort the hungry Cora with 
the remains of her box of chocolates. 

My ! but ain’t you got a grand room ! ” re- 
marked Tilly, looking about her admiringly. 
“You must be awful rich, to have so many 
pretty things.” 

Peggy felt rather embarrassed. 

“ I don’t believe we are particularly rich,” she 
said, deprecatingly. “ My sister is very fond of 
pretty things, and all the rooms are nice. Now, 
wouldn’t you like to play something ? ” 

“ All right,” said Tilly, cheerfully, and the 
irrepressible Cora added — 

“ Let’s play cops and robbers.” 

“ I’m afraid that would be rather noisy to play 
in the house,” objected Peggy. “ Wouldn’t you 
like to play house or paper dolls? I don’t think 
we better make much noise while the lunch party 
lasts.” 

Cora looked rather disappointed but Tilly 
agreed readily, and Peggy was just about to pro- 
duce the family of paper dolls Edith had given 
her, when, for the first time since her arrival, 
the fat Minna removed the thumb from her 
mouth, and remarked in a very decided little 
voice — 


170 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


“ Wantsh to hide/’ 

‘‘ She means she wants to play hide and seek,” 
Tilly explained. “ She’d rather do that than 
anything else in the world.” 

Peggy looked doubtful. 

I’m afraid we couldn’t ” she began, but 

Minna, who was evidently accustomed to having 
her own way, gave Tilly’s dress an impatient 

tug, and repeated firmly 

Wantsh to hide.” 

‘‘ I guess we’ll have to give in to her,” said 
Tilly, regretfully. She’ll begin to cry if we 
don’t and when she gets to holding her breath 
it’s just awful. Maybe we could do it without 
making much noise. We needn’t yell when we 
find each other; only just jump out and run.” 

Peggy did not feel so sanguine, but she dared 
not incur the risk of offending the imperious 
Minna, who was already showing signs of dissat- 
isfaction, especially as Cora added the informa- 
tion that, when Minna once began to roar, there 
was no stopping her. Accordingly, the game of 
hide and seek began, and for the first half-hour 
all went fairly well. The Winklers did try to 
be quiet, and what noise they made was drowned 
by the talk and laughter of the ladies in the din- 
ing-room. Still, Peggy was not comfortable, 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 171 

and when she found Cora hiding in Edith’s 
closet, sheltered behind that young lady’s best 
gown, she began to think that a change of amuse- 
ment might be desirable. 

‘‘ Let’s play something else for a while,” she 
suggested. Suppose I read you a story. I’ve 
got a lovely book; Mrs. Rutherford lent it to 
me. It used to belong to her little girl, who 
died. The stories are quite short, and there 
aren’t any very long words.” 

** All right,” agreed Tilly, who was always 
ready to do what other people liked. Just let 
Cora and Minna hide once more, and then I 
guess Minna’ll be satisfied. You will, won’t you. 
Honey?” 

Minna nodded, though whether she under- 
stood the nature of the request or not, is doubt- 
ful. 

‘‘ Very well,” said Peggy, resignedly. 

Please try not to muss things if you hide in 
closets. I hear the company in the parlor now, 
so I guess they’ll go pretty soon, and then we can 
have ice-cream.” 

Cora promised not to do any mischief, and the 
two little ones departed, Peggy and Tilly duti- 
fully hiding their eyes. 

'' Now I guess we can go and look for them,” 


172 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


said Tilly, when everything had been quiet for 
several minutes. I wonder where they can be. 
We’ve hid all over this floor, haven’t we?” 

“ Yes, we have,” said Peggy. “ I can’t think 
of another place they could possibly hide in.” 

'' Cora’s awful cute,” said Tilly, proudly. 
** She’ll be sure to find a good place. Let’s 
look.” 

They did look, and the next ten minutes was 
spent in an eager and fruitless search. 

I can’t imagine where they can be,” said 
Peggy, who was beginning to look considerably 
mystified. They’re not anywhere on this floor. 
You don’t suppose they would go upstairs, do 
you ? ” 

“Hark! what’s that?” cried Tilly, in sudden 
alarm. “ It sounds like Minna crying. It is 
Minna, I know her voice, and Cora’s crying too. 
Oh, where can they be ? ” 

“ It sounds as if they were upstairs,” said 
Peggy, and the two children started in hurried 
pursuit. As they approached the third story, the 
sounds of wailing became more distinct, and 
Tilly clasped her hands in nervous apprehension. 

“Yes, yes, Minna,” she called, quite forget- 
ting her promise not to make any noise. “ I’m 


THE WRINKLERS COMB TO CALL 


m 


coming; I’m right here. Where are you, 
Honey?” 

At the sound of the familiar voice, Minna’s 
roars grew louder, and they were accompanied, 
by the sound of little hands tugging impatiently 
at a door-knob. 

We can’t get out,” wailed Cora; ‘‘the door 
won’t open, and it’s awful dark and horrid.” 

“ They’re in the trunk closet ! ” exclaimed 
Peggy, in dismay. “ They must have got locked 
in somehow. Oh, I wonder what we’d better do 
about it ! ” 

Tilly flew to the door, whence the sounds pro- 
ceeded, and began shaking and pushing it with 
all her might. 

“ Turn the key, Cora,” she commanded. 
“ Are you locked in ? ” 

“ There ain’t no key,” sobbed Cora. “ The 
door won’t open, and we want to come out.” 

Tilly was actually white with terror. 

“ If Minna gets to holding her breath, and 
there ain’t nobody to throw cold water in her 
face, she’ll suffocate,” she announced, tragically, 
and then she, too, lifted up her voice and wailed. 

“ I know ; it’s a spring lock ; I heard Edith say 
so the other day;” cried Peggy, with a sudden 


174 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


recollection. “If you shut the door it locks it- 
self, and you have to get a key to open it. I 
don’t know where the key is.” 

“You’ve got to find it; I tell you, you’ve got 
to right away,” screamed Tilly, stamping her 
foot in her impatience. “ If you don’t Minna’ll 
die. Oh, Minna, Minna, my precious; I’ll let 
you out just as soon as I can ; I truly will ! ” 
And Tilly fairly hurled herself against the ob- 
durate door in her distress. 

Filled with horror at this dreadful possibility, 
Peggy turned and fled, never pausing until she 
appeared, a little white-faced, terrifled figure, at 
the open parlor door. 

“Edith,” she cried wildly; “oh, Edith, come 
quick and get the key of the trunk closet ! Cora 
and Minna Winkler are locked in and Tilly says 
if Minna doesn’t get out right away, she’ll suffo- 
cate.” 

There was a sudden commotion among the 
group of young ladies, who were sipping their 
coffee in the parlor, and in another moment at 
least half a dozen persons were hurrying upstairs, 
all talking at once. 

“ Locked in a closet ? ” “ Is there a window 

in it ? ” “ Did she say some one was suffocat- 

ing ? ” These and other questions were poured 



Minna emerged from the trunk closet. — Pa(je 175, 







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THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 


175 


forth in rapid succession, and poor Edith was, for 
the moment, almost too bewildered to compre- 
hend what had really happened. 

“Who did you say they were, Peggy?'’ in- 
quired Miss Harriet Foster, as they all paused 
in the upper hall, while Edith hurried away in 
quest of the necessary key. 

“ The Winklers,” explained Peggy. “ Cora 
and Minna, the two little ones, are locked in, and 
Tilly, their sister, is so dreadfully frightened. 
They came to spend the afternoon, and we were 
playing hide and seek. I never thought of their 
going to hide in the trunk closet.” 

“ The Winklers,” began Miss Foster, looking 

puzzled; “ who in the world ” But just then 

Edith returned, and they all hurried to the third 
story. 

At sight of Miss Lee, Tilly sprang forward, 
and almost snatched the key from her hand. 

“ She’s stopped yelling,” she sobbed ; “ I think 
she’s holding her breath. Oh, do be quick before 
she suffocates ! ” 

When, however, the door was unlocked, and 
the prisoners released, Minna was found to be 
in a perfectly healthy condition. The reassuring 
sound of her sister’s voice had calmed her fears, 
and she emerged from the trunk closet serenely 


176 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


sucking her thumb. Cora had really been the 
more frightened of the two children. At sight 
of the visitors Edith grew suddenly very red. 

‘‘ You must never play in that closet again, 
Peggy, she said, in a sharper tone than her lit- 
tle sister had ever heard her use before. Now 
come downstairs, and wouldn’t it be better to 
let these little girls go home? I think their 
mother may want them.” 

There was something in Edith’s manner which 
made Peggy hesitate to make any further expla- 
nations, and the four children followed the ladies 
downstairs, very meekly; but at the foot of the 
second flight, the incorrigible Cora was heard to 
whisper 

‘‘ Have we got to go without no ice-cream ? ” 

It was an hour later, and Peggy was alone in 
her room. She was feeling decidedly uncom- 
fortable, though she could not have explained 
just why. The Winklers had gone home very 
happy, for Edith — who had heard Cora’s remark 
— had sent them all to the kitchen for ice-cream. 
Every one had been kind, and the ladies had all 
laughed a good deal, hut though Edith had 
laughed with the others, there was a something 
in her manner which convinced Peggy that, for 
some unknown reason, her sister was displeased 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL 177 

with her. She had heard the voices of the ladies 
on the piazza, as one after another bade her 
hostess good-bye, and now the last one had gone, 
and she heard Edith close the screen door. 

" Peggy 1" 

Edith’s tone was sharp with annoyance, and 
Peggy’s heart beat fast as she hastened to an- 
swer the summons. 

‘‘Yes, Edith, I’m here; shall I come down?” 

Edith made no answer, but Peggy heard her 
approaching footsteps, and next moment she en- 
tered the room, looking flushed and indignant. 

“ Peggy,” she began, excitedly ; “ how could 
you do such a thing? I am so mortified that I 
don’t know what to do.” 

“ What — what did I do ? ” faltered Peggy, 
trembling. 

“ What made you bring those dreadful chil- 
dren into the house ? ” 

“ Why, Edith dear, I couldn’t help it. They 
came to call.” 

“ Came to call ! How absurd ! What ever 
possessed them to do such a thing ? Agnes Rob- 
inson knows who they are. Their mother takes 
in washing.” 

“ I know she does,” said Peggy. “ She goes 
out sometimes, too, and Tilly takes care of Cora 


178 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


and Minna while she’s away. That’s why she 
had to bring them both with her. Tilly is very 
good and 

“ But how came you to know anything about 
them ? ” interrupted Edith, impatiently. 

‘‘ Why, you see,” said Peggy, ‘‘ I always 
meant to tell you, but I kept forgetting when you 
were here, and only remembered the times when 
you were out. It was the day after I came, and 
I saw Tilly carrying a dreadfully heavy clothes- 
basket. I was so sorry for her that I went out 
and spoke to her. She said her mother told her 
brother to help her with the basket, but he 
wouldn’t, so she had to carry it all by herself. 
So I said I would help her, and we carried it to- 
gether over to Mrs. Rutherford’s. The clothes 
in the basket belonged to a lady who was staying 
there, and she was very kind, and gave Tilly 
fifty cents. Tilly wanted me to take half of it, 
but of course I wouldn’t. I liked Tilly so much 
that I asked her to come and see me, and she said 
she would bring Cora and Minna, so they came, 
and — and that’s all.” 

‘‘ Do you mean to tell me that you helped that 
child carry a clothes-basket through the streets in 
broad daylight ? ” Edith had dropped into a 


The wrinklers come to call 


m 

chair, and was regarding her little sister with an 
expression of horrified amazement. 

hung her head, and her lip quivered. 

'' I didn’t know it was wrong,” she said, hum- 
bly. I thought it was just being kind. Oh, 
Edith dear, please don’t be angry; I won’t ever 
do it again; indeed I won’t.” And poor little 
Peggy burst into tears. 

At sight of the tears Edith’s expression soft- 
ened. 

‘‘ There, there, don’t cry,” she said, not un- 
kindly. “ It was perfectly dreadful, but of 
course you didn’t know any better. Did you say 
you took the clothes to Mrs. Rutherford’s ? ” 
Yes,” said Peggy, meekly. 

“ It’s queer she has never mentioned it to me, 
or Maurice either. Well, Peggy, you must 
never, never do such a thing again, do you un- 
derstand? Washerwomen’s children are not the 
proper friends for you, and I don’t wish you ever 
to ask those people to the house again. Good- 
ness only knows what people will say about it. 
Of course those girls will tell the story all over 
town. I realy feel disgraced, and it just proves 
how unfit I am to have the care of a child.” 

At this dreadful assertion, poor Peggy’s grief 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


i8o 

broke forth with redoubled violence, and she 
flung her arms around her sister’s neck, in a pas- 
sion of sorrow and remorse. 

‘‘ Oh, you are, you are ! ” she sobbed. 
“ You’re the dearest, sweetest person in the 
world, and you take the very best care of me that 
anybody possibly could. Oh, I’m so sorry I was 
a disgrace, but I won’t ever be again, indeed, in- 
deed I won’t! Oh, please forgive me this time, 
and try not to mind so very much ! ” 

Edith was mollified, though still a little im- 
patient. 

“ Hush, Peggy, don’t be such a baby,’’ she said, 
kissing the little tear-stained face, and don’t 
hug me quite so tight. You are the queerest 
child I ever saw; you take everything so dread- 
fully seriously. There, there. I’m sorry I 
scolded. It was perfectly ridiculous.” Sud- 
denly Edith’s sense of humor got the better of 
her other feelings, and she began to laugh. 

Peggy was much relieved. 

You’re not so very angry, then, are you?” 
she said, eagerly. 

‘‘ No, no. I’m not angry, but, oh, Peggy, you 
are such a funny little thing. How you must 
have looked carrying that clothes-basket.” And 
Edith laughed till the tears stood in her eyes. 


THE WRINKLERS COME TO CALL i8i 

Peggy was a little hurt. Like most sensitive 
children, she objected to being laughed at, but 
at the same time, it was a great comfort to know 
that her sister was not really angry. 

I’m sorry you don’t like to have me play 
with the Winklers,” she said regretfully, as she 
dried her eyes. You see, I haven’t any other 
people to play with, and Tilly is such a good 
girl.” 

Edith’s conscience gave her an uncomfortable 
little twinge. 

I know you haven’t any one to play with,” 
she said, “ and you must be dreadfully lonely 
sometimes. I ought not to leave you as often 
as I do, but I have so many engagements ” 

“ Oh, I’m not a bit lonely ; indeed I’m not ! ” 
cried Peggy, earnestly. ‘‘ I was only just think- 
ing that it was nice to have people come to see 
me sometimes, but I’d rather be with you than 
anybody else in the world. Besides, when I go 
to school next winter, I shall have lots of 
friends.” 

Edith said nothing, but she rose rather quickly, 
and went over to look out of the window, for 
no apparent reason. It was not the first time 
that she had found it impossible to meet the inno- 
cent gaze of her little sister’s brown eyes. 


CHAPTER XII 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 

D r. RUTHERFORD called again that 
afternoon. Indeed, he was a very fre- 
quent visitor at Miss Lee’s and at -the 
sound of his automobile, Peggy — who was read- 
ing a story book on the piazza — looked up with 
a bright welcoming smile. 

Edith’s out,” she announced, as the doctor 
brought his machine to a stop beside the front 
steps. She’s gone to play golf, with Miss 
Foster and some other people, but I think per- 
haps she’ll be back pretty soon.” 

The doctor looked disappointed, and half in- 
clined to go away again, but something in the 
expression of Peggy’s face caused him to change 
his mind. He was naturally fond of children, 
and had taken a particular fancy to his friend’s 
little sister. 

‘‘ Edith has gone to play golf, has she ? ” he 
said, pleasantly, as he came up the steps, and 
182 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 183 

seated himself on the wicker sofa. Well, and 
how have you been getting on, little woman ? ” 

Peggy smiled, but the smile was followed by a 
sigh. 

I did something dreadful to-day,’’ she said, 
mournfully. I disgraced Edith.” 

Dr. Rutherford laughed, and motioned to 
Peggy to take the vacant place beside him. 

‘‘ How did that happen ? ” he inquired, so 
kindly that Peggy felt somehow cheered and 
comforted, though she could not have told why. 

‘‘ I didn’t mean to do it,” she said, sorrow- 
fully. “ I didn’t know it was a disgrace to have 
the Winklers spend the afternoon. They all had 
to come, because Tilly takes care of them when 
their mother goes out to wash. It was rather 
unfortunate they came to-day, because Edith was 
having a luncheon party, but I thought we could 
play quietly, and it was all right till Cora and 
Minna hid in the trunk closet, and the door got 
locked. Tilly was so afraid Minna would hold 
her breath and suffocate, that I had to call Edith, 
and then all the ladies came up, and afterward 
Edith said I had disgraced her.” 

Dr. Rutherford laughed such a hearty, merry 
laugh, that Peggy could not find it in her heart 
to blame him. 


i84 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


You poor little girl,” he said; is that all? ” 
“ Yes,” said Peggy, brightening. “ Do you 
think it was very dreadful?” 

Not so very; was Edith really angry? ” 

I think she was at first, but ' afterward she 
laughed, and before she went out she kissed me, 
and told me not to think any more about it; but 
it’s a very uncomfortable thing to feel you’ve 
been a disgrace, don’t you think so ? ” 

I suppose it would be if it were true, but in 
your case I can’t see that you have done any- 
thing so very bad. I know the Winkler family. 
Their mother often works for us, and I attended 
them through measles in the winter. The eld- 
est girl — Tilly I think her name is — is a real 
brick. She is a little mother to her younger 
sisters.” 

Yes, indeed she is,” cried Peggy, her face 
brightening at this praise of her friend. “ I ad- 
mire her very much, and I’m so glad you do too. 
I helped her carry home some clean clothes once, 
when the basket was very heavy, and that’s an- 
other thing that Edith said was a disgrace.” 

‘‘ Oh, she didn’t mean it,” said Dr. Rutherford, 
reassuringly. Your sister is much too sensible 
for that sort of nonsense. By the way, as she 
isn’t likely to be back from the links in some 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 185 

time, suppose you come home with me in the 
automobile. My mother will be having after- 
noon tea about this time, and she’s always glad 
to see you.” 

Peggy sprang to her feet with alacrity. 

“ I’d love to go,” she said, and ran into the 
house for her hat. 

The next hour was a very happy one to the 
little girl. First came the short ride in the doc- 
tor’s fascinating automobile, then the kindly 
welcome from Mrs. Rutherford, and lastly, the 
comfortable little talk, when she sat cuddled on 
the kind old lady’s lap. Mrs. Rutherford loved 
all children, but Peggy had a very warm place in 
her heart, partly from a fancied resemblance be- 
tween her and the little Alice who had died so 
many years ago. She understood the quaint, 
old-fashioned child better than most people did, 
and with a few tactful questions, she soon learned 
the cause of Peggy’s unusually grave face. 
Then, she too, was warm in her praise of the 
Winklers, and Peggy went home much cheered 
and comforted. 

“ I don’t suppose Edith will mind my admir- 
ing Tilly, as long as I don’t invite her to come 
to see me, do you. Dr. Rutherford ? ” she in- 
quired anxiously, as the doctor was taking her 


i86 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


home, to which he replied decidedly, that he was 
quite sure she would not. 

Both Edith and Harry had returned before 
Peggy reached home, and she found her brother 
and sister on the piazza. Dr. Rutherford would 
not come in, as he had a patient to see, but he 
called a cheery good-night from the gate, and 
puffed away in his automobile, leaving Peggy 
to walk up the path alone. 

‘‘ Well, Peg-Top, so you have been entertain- 
ing afternoon callers,’^ remarked Harry, with a 
mischievous glance at his little sister, as she came 
up the piazza steps. 

Peggy blushed. She was really growing very 
fond of her merry, light-hearted brother, though 
she still found his constant teasing a little hard 
to bear. 

“ I also hear that you have been playing the 
good Samaritan, and helping to bear pther peo- 
ple's burdens," Harry went on. ‘‘ I didn't know 
before that we had a philanthropist in the fam- 
ily.” 

‘‘ Don't tease her, Harry," said Edith, good- 
naturedly. “ Have you had a good time, pussy- 
cat?" 

“ Oh, yes," said Peggy ; “ I do love Dr. Ruth- 
erford so much, and Mrs. Rutherford too. They 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 187 

both admire Tilly Winkler very much. Dr. 
Rutherford called her a real brick, and he doesn’t 
believe you’ll mind my admiring her, so long as 
I don’t ask her to come here any more.” 

I don’t mind in the least,” said Edith, laugh- 
ing, but remember, you are not to carry clothes- 
baskets through the streets again.” 

Peggy promised that she would not, and she 
was just going into the house to take off her 
hat, when Harry put out his hand, and drew 
her back. 

Give us a kiss, kiddie,” he said, and he bent 
and kissed her with more tenderness than he had 
ever shown before. 

Oh, how dear they are, and how happy I 
am,” thought Peggy, as she ran upstairs to her 
room. I don’t believe anybody in the world 
has such a lovely sister and brother as I have.” 

Edith and Harry both dined at home that 
evening. This was always a great pleasure to 
Peggy, for when not otherwise engaged, they 
were disposed to pet and make much of her. It 
was a very warm evening for early June, and 
after dinner they all went out on the piazza, and 
Harry brought his mandolin, and sang college 
songs greatly to his little sister’s delight. Miss 
Foster and her brother dropped in for a call, and 


i88 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


they were having a very merry time together 
when, at half past eight, Peggy bade them good- 
night. Edith had no strict rules about children's 
bed-time, but Peggy, mindful of grandma’s dis- 
cipline, seldom remained up later than half-past 
eight. 

“ I think grandma would be glad if she knew 
I tried to do the things she wanted me to,” she 
had once confided to Dorothea ; but she said noth- 
ing about it to any one else. 

Peggy had struggled bravely against her baby- 
ish fear of the dark, and Edith never guessed 
how fast the little heart sometimes beat, when 
the child bade her a cheerful good-night, and 
went upstairs by herself. She had also learned 
to braid her own hair, and to do many other 
little things for herself, so as not to be obliged 
to call upon Joanna for assistance. But although 
she was much less timid than she had been a few 
weeks before, it was very pleasant on this par- 
ticular evening, to hear the voices of her friends 
on the piazza, just under her window. 

It does make a person feel very comfortable 
to know other people are near,” she said, as she 
crept into bed with Dorothea. Alice, the new 
doll, slept in a corner of the sofa, but the bat- 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 189 

tered Dorothea still shared her little mother’s 
bed. 

“ I know dolls can’t understand things,” she 
had explained to Edith, on the night of Alice’s 
arrival ; ‘‘ but I can’t help thinking Dorothea 
might feel hurt if I took any one else to bed with 
me, and I’ve got to be kinder to her than ever 
now, because I let her fall and crack her nose.” 

Edith had laughed and called her “ a silly lit- 
tle monkey,” but she had kissed her with un- 
usual tenderness that night. 

It was very warm, even with both windows 
open, and perhaps that fact, coupled with the 
sound of voices on the piazza, prevented Peggy 
from going to sleep as soon as usual. At any 
rate, she did not go to sleep, but lay tossing from 
side to side, thinking of all sorts of things, until 
at last, feeling very warm and uncomfortable, 
she jumped out of bed again. 

I’ll sit by the window a few minutes and 
get cool,” she decided, “ and then perhaps I can 
go to sleep right away.” 

Accordingly, she drew a low chair to the win- 
dow, and sat resting her arms on the sill, and 
letting the soft night air cool her forehead and 
cheeks. It was very peaceful and pleasant. 


190 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


From the piazza below came the sound of voices, 
for the visitors still lingered, and now and then 
Harry struck a few chords on his mandolin. 
Peggy could hear every word of the conversa- 
tion, but it did not interest her particularly, and 
she was just thinking that she would go back to 
bed again, when a remark of young Mr. Foster's 
attracted her attention. 

‘‘ That little sister of yours is a remarkably at- 
tractive child, Miss Edith," he spoke. ‘‘ The 
Rutherfords dined with us last night, and Mrs. 
Rutherford repeated some of her quaint re- 
marks." 

Peggy leaned a little farther out on the win- 
dow sill. This was very pleasant, and in her 
interest she quite forgot that it is dishonorable 
to listen to conversation not intended for one's 
ears. 

‘‘ She is a sweet little thing," was Edith's 
hearty rejoinder. Harry and I are both get- 
ting quite foolish about her. I am afraid we 
should spoil her dreadfully if we had her with 
us very much longer." 

“ Isn't she going to live with you ? " Mr. Fos- 
ter inquired, in some surprise. 

‘‘ Oh, no ; she has only come for a short visit. 
She was rather poorly after our grandmother's 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 191 

death, and the doctor advised change of scene, so 
my aunt sent her to stay with us for a time. We 
should like to keep her all summer, but it doesn’t 
seem possible, so she is to go back to California 
with some friends of my aunt’s, about the first 
of July. Poor little girl, she doesn’t suspect it 
yet, and I declare, it makes me fairly ill when 
I think of telling her.” 

The Fosters stayed a little longer, and then 
Harry and Edith walked part way home with 
them, so that it was considerably after ten o’clock 
when Edith came up to her room. She un- 
dressed slowly, for it was warm, and she was not 
very sleepy, and she had just put out her light, 
and gotten into bed, when there was a slight 
sound at the door, and a little white clad figure 
glided into the room. 

‘‘What’s the matter?” Edith inquired, lift- 
ing her head from the pillow. “ Why, Peggy, 
is it you ? Why aren’t you asleep ? ” 

“ I couldn’t go to sleep,” said Peggy in a 
tremulous little voice. “ I’m very sorry, but I 
couldn’t. Edith dear, I know you don’t like to 
have people sleep with you, but I thought per- 
haps you wouldn’t mind just this once. I’m so 
very lonely.” 


192 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


'' Why, you silly baby ; what are you afraid 
of?'’ Edith spoke rather impatiently. 

‘‘ I’m not afraid of anything,” faltered Peggy ; 
“ only — only — oh, Edith darling, please let me 
stay.” And to Edith’s surprise, her little sister 
suddenly sprang into bed beside her, and flung 
both arms passionately round her neck. 

Why, Peggy, my dear child, what is the mat- 
ter? Your hands and feet are cold. Are you 
ill, dear ? ” 

‘‘ Oh, no, I’m not ill, but I was so lonely all by 
myself, and I wanted to get close to somebody. 
I’ll be very, very quiet, if you’ll only let me stay.” 

Edith was touched. 

‘‘ Of course you may stay,” she said, kindly, 
“but really, Peggy dear, you are a great baby. 
I always slept by myself when I was your age, 
and never dreamed of being afraid of anything.” 

Peggy said nothing, but nestled in her sister’s 
arms, and pressed her cheek close to Edith’s, 
and something in that loving touch stirred a 
feeling in the elder sister’s heart, that she did 
not know existed there before. Peggy only 
spoke once more, and that was just as Edith was 
dropping off to sleep. 

“ Edith,” she said, softly, “ this is only the 
third of June, isn’t it?” 


PEGGY OVERHEARS A CONVERSATION 193 


‘‘ Yes, dear.” 

And there are — how many days are there in 
June?” 

‘‘Thirty. Now go to sleep, Peggy; you said 
you would be quiet, you know.” 

Peggy gave a little sigh. 

“ I won’t talk any more, only three out o^ 
thirty leaves twenty-seven, doesn’t it ? ” 

“ Yes,” said Edith, sleepily. 

“ Then there will be twenty-seven more days 
before it’s July. Twenty-seven days is really a 
good while, isn’t it ? ” 

But Edith was already asleep. 


CHAPTER XIII 


TROUBLE AT THE WINKLERS’ 

I ’M very sorry to hav>e to be away all day, 
Peggy,” Edith remarked, at the breakfast 
table, a few mornings later ; ‘‘ but of course 
I must go to Charlotte Leroy’s wedding. She 
and I were old school friends. I wish she were 
going to be married in New York instead of at 
Ardsley, for it will take pretty nearly the whole 
day to go and come. Joanna will take good care 
of you while I’m away.” 

‘‘ Oh, I’m all right,” said Peggy, but though 
she spoke cheerfully, it was not quite in her old 
bright way, and Harry — who was just finishing 
his breakfast — looked at her keenly. 

“ Doesn’t it strike you that the kid has been 
a bit out of sorts lately ? ” he said to Edith, when, 
at the sound of the postman’s whistle, Peggy 
had run to bring in the morning mail. 

Edith looked surprised. 

‘‘ Why, no, I haven’t noticed anything unusual 
194 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS* 193 

about her/’ she said. She is such a little mouse 
of a child that she is always quiet.” 

“ Well, I would keep an eye on her if I were 
you,” Harry said, and his tone was graver than 
usual. ‘‘ I found her curled up in the hammock 
with that forlorn remnant of a doll, when I came 
home last evening, and I would wager a good 
deal she’d been crying.” 

O dear,” said Edith, who was beginning to 
look troubled, “ I hope she isn’t going to be ill. 
I can’t imagine any other reason for her crying. 
I’m sorry about that tiresome wedding, but I 
don’t see how I can very well give it up.” 

“ Oh, I don’t believe that is necessary,” said 
Harry, rising from the table. ‘‘ She may have 
been a little homesick. It’s only natural she 
should miss the Eliot children sometimes. I’ll 
tell you what we’ll do. To-morrow is Saturday, 
and I have the day off. What do you say to 
going down to Dreamland for the afternoon and 
evening, and taking the kid with us? A whiff 
of sea air will do her good, and she’ll enjoy the 
show.” 

“ That would be very nice,-^’ said Edith, but 
she spoke without much enthusiasm, and just 
then Peggy returned, her hands filled with let- 
ters and papers. 


196 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


“ There’s a letter for me,” she announced joy- 
fully. I think it’s from Winifred Hamilton. 
Would you mind reading it to me, Edith? It 
takes me such a long time to read letters.” 

Edith laughed, but good-naturedly opened the 
letter, and read it before looking over her own 
mail. 


‘‘ ‘ New York, May 6th. 

‘‘ ‘ Dear Peggy, — 

“ ‘ Your splendid long letter came, and I loved 
it. I took it to school, and at recess I read it 
to Lulu and Gertie, my two best friends. Lulu 
said it was very interesting, and she would like 
to know you. I think your sister must be lovely, 
and I am so glad you are having such a good 
time. 

‘‘ ‘ This is not going to be a long letter at all, 
but is just to ask if you will come on Saturday, 
and spend a few days with me. Father and 
mother both want you, and father says if you 
come he will take us all down to Dreamland on 
Saturday afternoon. We will invite Lulu, too, 
so she can meet you. Mother says she will come 
to the ferry for you Saturday morning, if your 
brother will bring you in, and if you haven’t time 
to answer this letter you can telephone. 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS’ 


197 


Please do come ; I want to see you so much. 
Mother sends her love, and says to tell your sis- 
ter she will take good care of you. I send a 
great deal of love, too, and some kisses, and I 
remain, 

“ ‘ Your sincere friend, 

'' ‘ Winifred Hamilton.” 

Edith looked up from the letter with a bright 
smile. 

‘‘ How very nice,^’ she said. Of course you 
can go. You would like to, wouldn’t you, 
dear ? ” 

But Peggy did not smile. She was looking 
very grave indeed, and there was a wistful, 
pleading look in her eyes, which puzzled Edith. 
Harry had already hurried away to catch his 
train. 

“ You would like to go, wouldn’t you ? ” Edith 
repeated, as Peggy remained silent. 

‘‘ Do you want me to go ? ” the little girl asked, 
and her voice was not quite steady. 

“ Oh, yes, dear, of course — that is, if you want 
to. Why, Peggy, what is the matter? I 
thought you would be delighted. You seemed 
so fond of the little Hamilton girl.” 

“ I am,” said Peggy. I love her very much, 


198 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


and she is my best friend, but — but I think Td 
a little rather not go, if you don’t mind.” 

My dear child,” said Edith, laughing, I am 
sure I don’t mind. I wouldn’t have you go for 
the world unless you wanted to. I only thought 
it would be a pleasure to you to visit your 
friends.” 

Peggy’s head drooped, and her cheeks were 
crimson. 

‘‘ You’re sure I won’t be a bother if I don’t 
go ? ” she said, timidly. 

You are never a bother,” was Edith’s prompt 
reply, and with a sudden impulse, she stooped 
and kissed the troubled little face. 

Peggy looked much relieved. 

“ Then I think I will write Winifred a letter,” 
she said. I’ll thank her for asking me, but I’ll 
say I would rather not leave you.” 

Edith’s conscience gave her another of those 
uncomfortable little twinges, which were becom- 
ing so frequent of late, but she tried to laugh. 

“Very well,” she said, lightly; “do just as 
you please, only I hope you won’t be sorry after- 
ward. I thought you were so anxious to have 
little girls to play with, and now you have the 
opportunity, and you won’t take it. You are a 
funny little kid, as Harry says. Now I must 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS’ 


199 


hurry and dress, or I shall miss my train. You 
had better write your letter at once, and I will 
post it in town.” 

Edith hurried away upstairs, and Peggy 
seated herself at the library desk, where she 
wrote the following note : 

Montclair, June 7th. 

‘‘ Dear Winifred, — 

** I should love to come and make you a visit, 
and meet Lulu Bell, except for one thing. When 
I came I thought I was going to live here always 
with Edith and Harry, but I am not. I am to 
go back to California on the first of July, to live 
with Aunt Mary and the children. There are 
only twenty-three more days till then, and so 
you see, I don’t like to leave Edith even to stay 
with you. I hope you won’t mind, because I am 
your best friend, just the same. Edith says I 
won’t be a bother if I stay, and I do want to 
be with her every minute till the first of July. 

I must send this letter right away, so you 
will get it before to-morrow. Edith is going to 
post it in New York. 

I am, 

“ Your very loving friend, 

'' Peggy Lee.” 


200 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy wiped her eyes before she folded her 
letter and put it into an envelope. It would 
have been very pleasant to see the Hamiltons 
again, and to visit Winifred in her own home, 
but there were only twenty-three more days in 
June. 

Edith had nearly finished dressing, when the 
tinkle of a sharp little bell summoned her to the 
telephone. 

Is this Miss Lee’s house ? ” a familiar voice 
inquired. 

‘'Yes; is that you, Maurice?” 

“ Oh, is it you, Edith ? I called up to tell you 
that I won’t be able to dine with you this evening. 
My brother in Albany has a sharp attack of ap- 
pendicitis, and his wife has telegraphed for 
mother and me to come at once. We hope to 
get off on the eleven-thirty.” 

Edith expressed her sympathy and regret, and 
she was just about to hang up the receiver, when 
Dr. Rutherford said 

“ Oh, by the way ; there is something else I 
want to tell you. There are several cases of 
diphtheria in Frog Hollow. Don’t let Peggy go 
into that neighborhood.” 

“ No, I won’t, of course; not that there is any 
likelihood of her wanting to go there.” 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS' 


201 


“ Well, I didn’t know. Her friends the Wink- 
lers live there, and she is a democratic little per- 
son. Better warn her.” 

Yes, I will. Good-bye, Maurice. I do hope 
you will find your brother better when you reach 
Albany. Give my love to Mrs. Rutherford.” 

Peggy was waiting at the foot of the stairs, 
with her letter, when Edith came hurrying down, 
ten minutes later. 

‘‘ Pm dreadfully late,” she explained rather 
breathlessly, as she took the letter from her lit- 
tle sister’s hand, and gave Peggy a hurried kiss. 
‘‘ I shall have to run all the way to the station 
or I shall miss my train. Good-bye, darling; 
don’t be lonely.” 

In another moment Edith was hurrying down 
the street, while Peggy stood on the piazza, look- 
ing after her with loving, wistful eyes. It was 
not until she had nearly reached the station, that 
Dr. Rutherford’s warning flashed across her 
mind. 

“ There ; I forgot to tell Peggy,” she said to 
herself, a little impatiently; ‘‘but of course it’s 
all right ; she would never dream of going to such 
a place.” And just then, she caught sight of a 
friend, and promptly banished the matter from 
her mind. 


202 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Peggy felt rather desolate when she found 
herself alone. There were only twenty-three 
more days, and one of them was going to be lost, 
for Edith had said she would not be at home 
until dinner time. However, there was no use 
in fretting, and besides, she had work to do, so 
she stifled a sigh, and ran upstairs for the little 
white shawl she was crocheting for Edith’s birth- 
day. That scarf had caused Peggy a great deal 
of anxiety, for of course it was to be a surprise, 
and she lived in constant fear of her sister find- 
ing out before the proper moment arrived. It 
was kind Mrs. Rutherford, to whom she had con- 
fided her desire to make a beautiful birthday pre- 
sent for her sister, who had provided the mater- 
ials, and taught her the stitch. To-day there was 
no danger of being discovered by Edith, so she 
brought her work down to the piazza, and pre- 
pared to spend a very busy morning. The 
birthday was not for another week, but there was 
still a good deal to do on the scarf, and there 
might not be another such favorable opportunity 
for working. So all the warm summer morning 
the little fingers flew, and to such good purpose 
that Joanna, when she came to call her to lunch- 
eon, exclaimed in astonishment at her progress. 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS* 


203 


I think I’ll go to see Mrs. Rutherford this 
afternoon,” Peggy remarked, as she rose from 
the luncheon table. She’ll be interested to hear 
how the scarf is getting on, and I haven’t seen 
her since Monday.” 

Joanna made no objection, so Peggy put on 
her hat, and set off by herself for the short walk 
to the Rutherford’s. But her hopes of spending 
a pleasant afternoon with her kind friend were 
doomed to disappointment, for when she reached 
the doctor’s house, it was only to learn from the 
maid, that Mrs. Rutherford and her son had 
both been called away by illness in the family, 
and it was uncertain when they would be able 
to return. With a sigh of disappointment, 
Peggy turned once more in a homeward direc- 
tion. 

She had just left the Rutherford’s front gate, 
when her attention was attracted by a very small 
girl, who was hurrying rapidly towards her. 

‘‘ Why, it’s Cora Winkler,” she exclaimed, her 
face brightening. I wonder what she’s doing 
out all by herself. She’s only six.” 

The recognition was evidently mutual, for at 
sight of Peggy, Cora quickened her pace to a 


run. 


204 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Say ! ’’ she demanded, reaching Peggy’s side 
in a rather breathless condition ; “ which is Dr. 
Rutherford’s house ? ” 

It’s this one,” said Peggy, ‘‘ but he isn’t at 
home. He’s gone away, and Mrs. Rutherford 
too. The waitress said she didn’t know when 
they would be back.” 

0 dear ! ” said Cora, and she looked so crest- 
fallen, that Peggy hastened to inquire 

“ Did you want to see him very much ? ” 

1 want him for Minna,” said Cora ; she’s 
awful sick.” 

Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Peggy, sympatheti- 
cally ; what’s the matter with her ? ” 

Cora shook her braids. 

** I don’t know,” she said. She had a cold 
this morning, and mother gave her some medi- 
cine before she went out to wash, but she’s got 
worse since, and Tilly’s awful scared. She told 
me to run and get Dr. Rutherford right away, 
and now he ain’t there.” 

“ It’s too bad,” said Peggy, looking troubled. 

I wonder what we ought to do about it.” 

I don’t know,” said Cord, who, to tell the 
truth, did not look particularly interested. ** I 
guess I’ll go home and tell Tilly.” 

You’re rather little to go all the way by 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS' 


205 


yourself/’ said motherly Peggy, with a troubled 
glance at the sturdy Cora. “ Are you always 
very careful about crossing the streets? Those 
automobiles come so very fast sometimes, you 
know.” 

“ One of them things ’most run over me, 
coming,” remarked Cora, tranquilly. The 
folks yelled, and I was scared.” 

Peggy reflected for a moment in silence. The 
prospect of a long, solitary afternoon at home 
was not alluring. She was tired of crocheting, 
and there didn’t seem to be anything else to do. 
Edith had never forbidden her to call on the 
Winklers’, although she had objected to their 
calling on her. Dr. Rutherford admired Tilly, 
and now Tilly was in trouble. Cora was very 
little to go about by herself. She felt sure Tilly 
would never have sent her for Dr. Rutherford 
if she had not been very anxious about Minna. 

“ Would you like me to come home with 
you ? ” she inquired, suddenly. “ Perhaps I can 
help Tilly to take care of Minna.” 

‘‘ All right ; come along,” said Cora, cheer- 
fully, and she slipped a not very clean little hand 
into Peggy’s. 

Frog Hollow was not an attractive neighbor- 
hood, and Peggy — who had never been in that 


206 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


part of the town before — found herself gazing 
in wonder at the shabby houses, and untidy chil- 
dren, who thronged the sidewalk. Cora appar- 
ently had many friends among the children, for 
she was constantly being hailed by one or an- 
other, and at the door of a rather tumble-down 
cottage, she suddenly dropped Peggy’s hand, and 
remarking briefly, that’s our house; I’m going 
to play ; ” darted off in pursuit of a group of her 
friends. 

Peggy climbed the rickety wooden steps, and 
knocked at the door. She waited several min- 
utes, and then, receiving no answer to her knock, 
she ventured to turn the handle. Somewhat to 
her surprise, the door opened at once, and next 
moment she found herself standing in a small, 
narrow hall. 

“Tilly,” she called softly; “Tilly, are you 
there ? ” 

There was a sound of approaching footsteps, 
and Tilly appeared at the top of the stairs. 

“ Is it you, Cora? ” she inquired in an anxious 
whisper, “ and is he coming right away ? ” 

“ It isn’t Cora,” said Peggy, advancing further 
into the hall. “ I met her outside of Dr. Ruth- 
erford’s gate, and I came home with her. She 
was so little to go by herself, and she said an 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS* 


207 


automobile nearly ran over her. Fm so sorr^ 
about Minna ; is she very ill ? 

‘‘ I guess she is” said Tilly, who had by this 
time reached the foot of the stairs, and was re- 
garding the visitor in pleased surprise. “ Is Dr. 
Rutherford coming soon ? ” 

No,’' said Peggy; “ he can’t; he’s gone away. 
Oh, Tilly, don’t cry. What’s the matter?” 
For at the announcement that Dr Rutherford was 
not coming, Tilly had promptly burst into tears. 

‘‘ O dear, O dear ! what shall I do ? ” she sob- 
bed helplessly. Minna so awful sick, and I 
thought he’d come and make her well right away. 
She was sick this morning when mother went 
out, but she’s got so much worse, and I know 
mother’ll be scared to death.” 

“ Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Peggy, and she 
slipped an arm affectionately about her friend’s 
waist, and kissed her. “ Perhaps she isn’t really 
so very ill. Where is she?” 

‘‘ Up in mother’s bed. I undressed her and 
put her there when she got worse. I guess she’s 
asleep, but she moans all the time, and makes 
such queer noises in her throat.” 

“ Let’s go up and see her,” suggested Peggy, 
and Tilly promptly led the way up the steep, 
narrow stairs, to a small, hot room, where Minna, 


2o8 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGG? 


her eyes closed and her cheeks flushed with fever, 
was lying in the middle of a large feather bed. 

‘‘ She’s feverish,” said Peggy, with a profes- 
sional air, as she bent down, and softly touched 
the sick child’s hot forehead. “ I was feverish 
when I was ill after grandma died, and the doctor 
said I needed a change. I got well pretty soon, 
though. Perhaps Minna will be all right to- 
morrow.” 

Tilly looked somewhat relieved. 

‘‘ I hope she’ll be better when mother comes 
home,” she said ; “ she’ll be so scared. Do you 
think a doctor ought to see her ? ” 

“ I think it might be just as well,” said Peggy, 
thoughtfully. Dr. Scott came to see me when 
I was feverish; Aunt Mary sent for him. Are 
there any other doctors in Montclair except Dr. 
Rutherford?” 

‘‘ Oh, yes,” said Tilly ; ‘‘ there are a good many 
others, only we don’t know them. Besides, 
they’d all charge. Dr. Rutherford treats us 
free.” 

Peggy looked doubtful. 

‘‘ Perhaps you’d better wait and ask your 
mother, then,” she said. 

At that moment Minna opened her eyes, and 
in a thick, hoarse little voice, demanded a drink 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS^ 209 

of water. Tilly brought some in a cup, and 
while she held it to Minna’s lips, Peggy lifted 
the sick child’s head, and gently supported it on 
her arm. 

** Drink it. Honey, drink it,” said Tilly, in a 
tender, soothing voice, such as her mother might 
have used; but though Minna took the water in 
her mouth, she did not swallow it. 

“ It hurts ! it hurts,” she moaned fretfully, 
pointing to her throat. 

** I guess her throat is sore,” said Peggy, with 
a sudden inspiration. “ My throat was sore 
once last winter, and it was very horrid. Frau- 
lein made me gargle it with listerine. Have you 
got any listerine?” 

Tilly shook her head. 

“ I don’t know what it is,” she said. 

Then,” said Peggy, with decision, ‘‘ I really 
think you ought to have a doctor come and see 
her. If you tell me where one lives, I’ll stop and 
ask him to come, on my way home. Minna has 
gone to sleep again, I think.” 

“ You’re real kind,” said Tilly, gratefully. 
“ I guess I’ll get Dr. Johnson. Most of the 
folks round here has him, but we always have 
Dr. Rutherford, because mother works there, and 
he doesn’t charge us nothing.” 


210 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


I guess you had better have him,” said 
Peggy. Minna does feel very hot, and per- 
haps your mother mightn’t like it if you didn’t. 
Where does he live ? ” 

Tilly mentioned a street, which Peggy knew 
well, and after a few more anxious speculations 
about Minna’s condition, the visitor rose to go. 

I guess she’ll be all right to-morrow,” she 
said, encouragingly, as Tilly followed her to the 
head of the stairs. And Tilly cheered by the en- 
couraging words, smiled hopefully. 

Once in the street, Peggy walked fast. She 
did not like the neighborhood, and was anxious 
to reach more familiar ground as soon as pos- 
sible. At the corner of the street she encoun- 
tered Cora, who, with several other children, had 
paused before a house, on the door of which a 
sign in large letters had been pasted. The 
children were regarding the sign with much in- 
terest, and as Peggy drew near she heard one lit- 
tle girl spelling laboriously 

‘ DIPHTHERIA.’ What does that spell ? ” 
I don’t know,” said Cora. Then, catching 
sight of Peggy, she ran up to her, inquiring 
eagerly 

** Say ! what’s the word on that sign ? ” 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS’ 


2II 


glanced up at the ominous word, and 
her heart gave a sudden jump. 

It's diphtheria ! ” she said, in a frightened 
voice. “ Don't stay here ; it's dangerous." And 
she seized Cora's hand, and hurried her away. 

“ It's something catching, ain't it? " demanded 
Cora, finding some difficulty in keeping up with 
Peggy's rapid pace. 

“It's a dreadful thing; people die of it," re- 
sponded Peggy, solemnly. “ Mrs. Rutherford 
had a little girl who died of it. Don't go near 
there again, and tell the others not to either. 
Don't you think you'd better go home and see 
if you can't help Tilly? She's so worried about 
Minna." 

“ All right," said Cora, and slipping her hand 
out of Peggy's, she darted away in a homeward 
direction. 

Peggy had no difficulty in finding Dr. John- 
son's house, but the maid who opened the door, 
informed her that the doctor was out. However, 
she wrote the Winkler's name and address on the 
doctor's slate, and Peggy departed, feeling quite 
easy in her mind about Minna. 

“ He'll make her all right in a little while," 
she thought, cheerfully. “ I'm glad Tilly didn't 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGV 

say anything about coming to see me again. 
She’s very nice indeed, and I admire her, but I 
wonder why poor people’s houses aren’t a little 
cleaner.” 

When Peggy reached home, she found Joanna 
in a state of much excitement. Mr. Lee had 
telephoned that he was bringing some young 
married friends home with him that evening, and 
there was a great deal to be done to get things 
ready for the unexpected visitors. Peggy’s 
heart sank, and she had some difficulty in keep- 
ing back the tears of disappointment. She had 
so hoped to have Edith to herself, and now her 
sister would be too busy to take much notice 
of her. But Peggy was a cheerful little soul, 
and so, instead of going away by herself to brood 
over her disappointment, she offered to help Jo- 
anna, and spent a very busy afternoon, arranging 
flowers, dusting ornaments, and making herself 
really useful in many ways. 

The family returned with their visitors, just 
in time for dinner. Edith was tired, but in good 
spirits, and Mr. and Mrs. Ward proved to be 
very pleasant young people. Everybody was 
very kind to Peggy, but no one had much time 
to devote to her, and there was no opportunity 
for private conversation with Edith. 


TROUBLE AT THE WRINKLERS’ 


213 


I never told about Minna/’ the little girl 
said to herself, as she was getting into bed that 
night. I meant to speak to Edith about her, 
but she was so busy, and perhaps if I had told 
her she wouldn’t have been interested. I don’t 
think she cares very much for the Winklers. O 
dear ! only twenty-two more days ! I never 
knew time went so fast before.” 


CHAPTER XIV 
Edith’s birthday 



HE little white scarf — the work of so 


many patient hours — was finished at 


* last, and Peggy stood regarding the 
result of her labor, with a smile of pardonable 
pride. Another week had slipped away and now 
there were only sixteen more days till the first 
of July. Still, Peggy had heard no word of her 
return to California, and she was beginning to 
hope that Edith and Harry might possibly have 
changed their minds on the subject. It was only 
a very faint little hope, but there was untold 
comfort in it, for every day it seemed to the 
child that her sister and brother grew kinder and 
more loving, while life in the pretty, cheerful lit- 
tle house grew sweeter and sweeter. 

I don’t see how I can go,” she said to her 
old confidante, Dorothea, “ when I’m getting to 
love them better every minute, but I shouldn’t 
like to stay and be a bother.” And then she 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


215 


set her lips tight, and winked hard to keep back 
the tears, that seemed so near the surface in these 
days. 

But this morning she did not feel in the least 
like crying, though her head ached and her throat 
was sore, for this was Edith’s birthday, and the 
secret which had been kept with so much dif- 
ficulty, was not to be a secret any longer. Al- 
ready she had stolen more than once to her sis- 
ter’s door, in the hope of hearing some sound 
that would tell her Edith was awake, for the 
scarf, finished the previous afternoon, was to be 
carried in and flung around her shoulders the 
very moment Edith should open her door. 

“ I wonder why grown-up people like to stay 
in bed so long,” she said, impatiently, glancing 
at the clock, the hands of which pointed to just 
five minutes past seven. ‘‘ I’m glad the Wards 
went away yesterday. They were very nice, but 
I do want my precious Edith all to myself on her 
birthday, especially when there are only sixteen 
more days.” 

Just then her listening ears caught the sound 
of a blind being thrown back in her sister’s room, 
and with a joyful cry of she’s awake,” she 
snatched up the scarf, darted across the hall, and 
was knocking at Edith’s door in a moment. 


2i6 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


What a truly delightful surprise that was. 
Edith was as much pleased as possible, and pro- 
nounced the little scarf one of the most useful 
presents she had ever received, and just the thing 
to wear over her head when she went out of an 
evening. 

And you really made it all by yourself,’’ she 
said. Oh, Peggy dear, how could you take 
all that trouble for me ? ” 

“ I loved it,” said Peggy, simply, and her eyes 
shown with such unutterable love and admira- 
tion, that Edith turned her head away with a 
suddenly heightened color. Her little sister’s de- 
votion was touching her more and more deeply. 

Breakfast that morning was a very happy 
meal, and if Peggy ate less than usual, nobody 
noticed the fact. Harry’s present to his sister 
was a lovely pin, set with pearls, and there were 
several smaller gifts from intimate friends. The 
trip to Dreamland had been postponed on the 
previous Saturday, owing to the V/ard’s visit, 
but Harry intended taking his sisters on the fol- 
lowing afternoon, and he was in the midst of a 
vivid description of some of the attractions of 
that fascinating place, when the postman’s whis- 
tle was heard, and Peggy, as usual, went out for 
the mail. 


nDifws birthday 


sif 

There’s only one letter/’ she announced, 
and it’s for you, Edith. It’s got the California 
postmark, and I think it’s from Aunt Mary. It 
looks just like the ones grandma used to get from 
her.” 

Edith said nothing, but held out her hand for 
the letter, and Peggy’s heart suddenly began to 
beat uncomfortably fast. She watched her sis- 
ter with anxious eyes, while she opened the en- 
velope and read its contents, and when Edith had 
finished, she inquired timidly 

“ Is it from Aunt Mary? ” 

“ Yes,” said Edith, and then she added, rather 
hastily 

“ Peggy dear, don’t you want to run up to 
my room, and bring me down that note I left on 
my bureau ? I am going to get Harry to post it 
in the city.” 

Peggy rose reluctantly, and left the room, with 
less alacrity than she usually showed when doing 
her sister’s errands. 

I have had a letter from Aunt Mary,” Edith 
said, as soon as she and her brother were alone 
together. “ She has heard from her friends, and 
they are quite willing to take Peggy back to Cali- 
fornia. They expect to leave New York on 
the second of July.” 


2i8 brave little PEGGY 

Confound it ! muttered Harry, and he 
looked decidedly vexed. 

“ I am sorry it is to be so soon,’’ said Edith, 
with a sigh. “ I hoped they might decide to 
wait a week or two longer. Aunt Mary has sent 
me their address, and wants me to let them know 
if Peggy can be ready by that day.” 

Look here,” said Harry, laying down his 
knife and fork, and speaking with unusual earn- 
estness; “do you really think it’s necessary to 
send the kid off so soon? Why not keep her a 
while longer, and trust to finding some other 
people going that way, who will take charge of 
her?” 

Edith looked doubtful. 

“ I hate to have her go so soon myself,” she 
said, “ but this seems such a good opportunity. 
Nobody knows when such another may occur. 
I would gladly keep Peggy all summer, but there 
is my trip to Bar Harbor in August.” 

“Bother!” ejaculated Harry, impatiently. 
“ Why can’t I look after the kid while you’re 
away? She would be company for me in the 
evenings.” 

“ My dear boy ; how absurd. Why, you are 
in the city all day long. What would the poor 
child do by herself from morning till night? No, 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


219 


dear, I really think it will be best to let her go, 
sorry as I shall be to part with her.” 

You haven’t mentioned the subject to her 
yet, I suppose ? ” 

Edith shook her head. 

‘‘ No, I haven’t,” she said, and that’s the 
worst part of the whole thing. You don’t know 
how I dread telling her. She is such an affec- 
tionate little thing ; I believe she has really grown 
very fond of us.” 

‘‘ If I were you I would get it over as soon 
as possible,” said Harry, grimly. ‘‘ That is, of 
course, if you have really made up your mind 
she has got to go.” 

At that moment Peggy returned. 

‘‘ Thank you, dear,” said Edith, taking the 
note her little sister held out to her, rather ab- 
sently. Don’t you feel well this morning, 
Peggy? ” she asked. “ Your face is flushed, and 
your eyes look heavy.” 

‘‘ My throat is a little bit sore, and my head 
ached when I woke up, but I think it’s better 
now. What did Aunt Mary say in her letter ? ” 
Well,” said Edith, slowly, ‘‘ she said a good 
many things. They all miss you, and are anx- 
ious to have you back with them.” 

Peggy smiled faintly, but said nothing, and 


220 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


after a moment’s pause, Edith went on, not with- 
out some embarrassment 

You know, Peggy dear, that when grandma 
died, she expected that your home was to be with 
the Eliots’, and she asked Aunt Mary to take 
care of you.” 

Again Edith paused, waiting for Peggy to 
speak, but still the little girl said nothing. Her 
eyes were fixed steadily on the pattern of the 
table-cloth, but Harry — who was watching her 
closely — saw that her lip was trembling. 

When you were ill, and the doctor recom- 
mended change of air and scene for you,” Edith 
went on, ‘‘Aunt Mary thought it would be a 
good plan to send you to us for a while; but 
it was only to be a visit; she never intended 
giving you up altogether.” 

“ I know she didn’t,” said Peggy, in a very 
low voice. “ She said it was only to be for a 
visit.” 

Edith looked relieved. Peggy was taking the 
news much better than she had expected. 

“ Well, dear,” she said, cheerfully, “ you know 
Harry and I would like to be able to keep you 
with us for a long time, but of course we couldn’t 
let you take the journey to California by your- 
self, and so we have to send you back when we 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


^21 

know of some one who is going that way, and 
who will take charge of you. Now Aunt Mary 
has written to say that she has some friends who 
are going to California next month, and we think 
— that is, Aunt Mary thinks 

“ I know,’’ said Peggy, quietly, as her sister 
paused, uncertain how to go on. Pm to go the 
first of July; there are just sixteen more days.^^ 

Edith gave a violent start. 

How did you find out — who told you ? she 
gasped. 

“ I heard you telling Miss Foster’s brother one 
night on the piazza. It was very hot, and I 
couldn’t go to sleep, so I got up and sat by the 
window. I didn’t mean to listen, but I couldn’t 
help hearing.” 

‘‘ And why did you never mention it to us ? ” 

‘‘ Because — because — oh, I couldn’t talk about 
it. I thought you had to do it, and — and I 
didn’t want to be a bother.” 

Harry arose abruptly; pushed back his chair 
from the table, and walked out of the room, 
without a word. Edith sat quite still for a mo- 
ment, regarding her little sister in silence. Her 
own lips were trembling, and there were tears in 
her eyes. 

‘‘ You are never a bother, Peggy,” she said, 


1^22 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


unsteadily. I believe you are the best little 
girl in the world.” 

Peggy’s face brightened, and she nestled close 
to her sister. 

‘‘ I’m so glad,” she said. I was afraid I 
might be a bother, and that was why you couldn’t 
keep me always, but if it’s only because you think 
grandma wanted me to live with Aunt Mary, I 
— I don’t mind so much. Oh, Edith dear, please 
don’t cry.” For to Peggy’s horror, her sister 
had suddenly burst into tears. 

At sight of her little sister’s distress, how- 
ever, Edith recovered her self-possession, and 
after giving Peggy a hurried kiss, she too rose 
and left the room. 

“ Peggy, dear,” said Edith, coming out on the 
piazza a couple of hours later ; ‘‘ Agnes Robinson 
has telephoned over to ask if I will go automo- 
biling with her this morning. She is taking a 
party of girls over to Pompton to lunch. Do 
you think you can get on all right without me at 
luncheon? I shall be back early in the after- 
noon.” 

Peggy, who was lying in the hammock, doing 
nothing, looked up with a faint attempt at a 
smile. 

I won’t mind a bit,” she said, trying hard to 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


223 


Speak cheerfully, and glancing apprehensively at 
her sister, whose eyes were still red, although she 
was smiling as usual. 

“Very well; Til tell Agnes to stop for me, 
then. It's such a lovely day, and I am so fond 
of automobiling, that I hate to give it up. How 
is your head ? " 

“ It doesn’t ache much,” said Peggy, passing 
her hand across her forehead. “ It’s so nice and 
cool out here, it makes it feel better. I guess 
I’ll stay here till luncheon time. Has Mrs. Ruth- 
erford come home yet ? ” 

“ Not yet, but I believe she and Maurice are 
both coming home either to-day or to-morrow. 
I had a note from Maurice yesterday. His 
brother is much better.” 

“ I’m glad,” said Peggy. “ I love Mrs. Ruth- 
erford very much. Oh, Edith, I want to tell you 
about something that happened the day you went 
to the wedding. I went to see Mrs. Rutherford, 
but she had gone away, and just as I was com- 
ing out of her gate I met ” 

“ Excuse me dear ; I really can’t wait to hear 
about it just now, Edith interrupted, a little im- 
patiently. “ I must hurry and dress, for Agnes 
wants to start in half an hour.” 

“ I’m glad she’s going,” Peggy said to her- 


224 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

self, repressing a sigh, as Edith disappeared 
through the open door into the house. ‘‘ I 
thought perhaps she would stay home on her 
birthday, but my head does ache pretty badly, 
and I don't feel a bit like doing anything but just 
keeping still. Perhaps if she stayed at home she 
might cry again, and that would be dreadful, 
ril go and find out how Minna Winkler is this 
afternoon, if I feel better." 

But Peggy did not feel better. On the con- 
trary, the pain in her head grew steadily worse. 
Her throat was very sore, too, and uncomforta- 
ble little chills began to run up and down her 
back. She watched her sister start off with a 
merry party of friends, in the Robinsons' big 
touring car, and after that she lay in the ham- 
mock and dozed, until Joanna came to call her to 
luncheon. 

‘‘ I don't think I feel very hungry to-day," she 
said, as she followed the maid slowly into the 
dining-room. “ Would it make any difference 
if I didn't eat any luncheon? " 

‘‘What's the matter — don't you feel well?" 
Joanna inquired, in surprise. 

“ Not very. I've got a headache, and my 
throat is sore, but I guess I'll be all right pretty 
soon. Could I have a glass of lemonade and 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


225 


some cake ? I don’t think I want anything 
else.” 

I will make you some lemonade,” said Jo- 
anna, good-naturedly, ''but I wouldn’t eat cake 
if I had a headache.” 

"All right,” said Peggy; "I’ll just drink the 
lemonade, then.” 

So Joanna, who was not a very clever person, 
and had never had any experience with children, 
brought Peggy a glass of iced lemonade, and 
then took away the untasted luncheon, remarking 
that fasting was the best cure for a sick head- 
ache. Peggy drank the lemonade thirstily, and 
it made her throat feel better for a few minutes, 
but her head felt very heavy, and when Joanna 
had left the room, she went back to the ham- 
mock, where she soon fell asleep. 

She must have slept some time, and when she 
woke it was with a start, caused by the sound 
of a voice close beside her, and on opening her 
eyes, she found Miss Harriet Foster looking 
down at her with a smile. 

" Why, you lazy little girl to go to sleep in 
the middle of the afternoon,” said the young 
lady, laughing, as Peggy sat up and rubbed her 
eyes. " Is Edith at home ? ” 

" No,” said Peggy ; " she’s gone automobiling 


226 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


with Miss Robinson and some other young ladies. 
They went over to Pompton to lunch.” 

Tell her I came to wish her many happy re- 
turns of the day. I can’t stop now, for I am on 
my way to golf. Oh, by the way, have you 
heard the news about your friends the Wink- 
lers?” 

“ No,” said Peggy, blushing. Something in 
Miss Foster’s tone made her fear the young lady 
was laughing at her, but her next words were 
grave enough. 

Two of the children are very ill with diph- 
theria. The eldest girl has it, and one of the 
little ones, I believe. I only heard it this morn- 
ing. My mother sent for Mrs. Winkler to do 
some washing, and our man, who took the mes- 
sage, brought back word that the children were 
ill with diphtheria. There have been several 
other cases in that neighborhood. Now, I really 
must hurry, for I have a friend waiting for me. 
Be sure you don’t forget to tell Edith I called.” 
And Miss Foster hurried away, quite unconscious 
of the effect produced by her news on Edith’s 
little sister. 

For several minutes after Miss Foster had 
gone, Peggy sat quite still, staring straight be- 
fore her, with round, horrified eyes. The Wink- 


EDITH’S birthday 227 

lers had diphtheria, that dreadful disease, of 
which Mrs. Rutherford’s little Alice had died. 
Perhaps Tilly and Minna would die too, and she 
would never see them any more. But people 
did not all die who had diphtheria ; there was the 
boy who gave it to Alice Rutherford. She re- 
membered the sign over the door of the house in 
Frog Hollow. That was to warn people to keep 
away, so that they might not take the disease. 
Could Minna and Tilly have taken diphtheria 
from the people in that house? Perhaps it was 
Cora who was ill, and not Minna at all; Miss 
Foster had only said one of the little ones, but 
Minna was certainly very ill that day last week. 
Could it be possible that, even then, she had 
diphtheria, and nobody knew it? She had com- 
plained a great deal of her throat, and Mrs. 
Rutherford said Alice had a dreadful throat. 
Then, suddenly a terrible conviction burst upon 
the poor child, and she clasped her hands, with 
a sob of terror. 

“ That’s what’s the matter with me,” she 
gasped ; ‘‘ my throat is very sore, and I feel ill 
and queer all over. Fve got diphtheria ; I caught 
it from Minna, and perhaps I shall give it to 
Edith and Harry and Joanna. Oh, what shall I 
do about it ? ” 


228 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


It was a terrible thought, and for the first 
few moments the poor little girl was too fright- 
ened to do anything but cry helplessly. 

‘‘ I can’t give it to them ; oh, I can’t ! ” she 
sobbed. ‘‘ Perhaps they’ll die, and it’ll be all 
my fault. They’ve been so good, and never 
called me a bother, though I know I must have 
been one, or they wouldn’t want to send me back 
to California. Oh, I don’t mind having diph- 
theria so much myself, but I can’t let Edith have 
it!” 

Suddenly, she lifted her head, and sat up 
straight, her eyes shining feverishly. 

I know what I’ll do,” she cried, springing 
out of the hammock ; ‘‘ I’ll go to the hospital. 
When people are ill they often go there. Then 
I can’t give it to anybody, because I don’t sup- 
pose doctors and nurses are ever ill.” 

She flew into the house, and upstairs to her 
room, shaking from head to foot with nervous 
excitement. Joanna and the cook were both in 
the kitchen, and there was no one to see her as 
she snatched her hat from the closet, and her 
purse from the bureau drawer. 

‘‘ I must go quick, quick,” she kept repeating 
to herself. ‘‘ I mustn’t let anybody know what 
I’m going to do, or they won’t let me, and if 


EDITH^S BIRTHDAY 


229 


Edith comes home she may get diphtheria right 
away.’’ 

She was already half-way downstairs again, 
when a new idea caused her to pause. 

“ Edith will be so frightened if she doesn’t 
know where I am,” she said to herself. I’ll 
have to write a note, and leave it on her pin 
cushion, so she’ll see it the first thing when she 
comes home. If I can only get to the hospital 
before any one finds out, it will be all right, be- 
cause of course they won’t let Edith come there, 
no matter how much she wants to.” 

She ran back to her room, and seizing a pencil 
and a sheet of paper, hurriedly scrawled the fol- 
lowing note: 

Darling Edith, — 

Please don’t be worried about me, for I am 
all right, only I think I have got diphtheria, and 
I’m going right off to the hospital, so you and 
Harry won’t get it, too. Miss Foster says the 
Winklers have it, and I think I caught it from 
Minna. I went there the day you were away 
at the wedding, and Minna was ill, and I helped 
Tilly take care of her. We didn’t know it was 
diphtheria then, but I think it must have been, 
because her throat was very sore. My throat 


230 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


is sore now, and I don’t feel very well, but it 
isn’t very bad, so please don’t be frightened. It 
would make me very unhappy if I gave you and 
Harry diphtheria, and that is why I am going 
to the hospital right away, before you come 
home. I hope you won’t be angry about my 
going to the Winkler’s that day. You didn’t 
say I couldn’t go to see them, only that I musn’t 
ask them here. I tried to tell you about it, but 
you were busy. 

‘‘ I am very sorry I have to go, especially as 
there are only sixteen more days till the first of 
July, but it is better to do that than give people 
diphtheria. 

‘‘ I am. 

Your affectionate sister, 

“ Peggy.” 

Having pinned this note on Edith’s cushion, 
and given one last loving glance about the pretty 
room, Peggy once more started for the stairs, 
but on the top she paused, and next moment had 
darted back to her own room, and snatched Doro- 
thea in her arms. 

‘‘ Good-bye, my precious,” she sobbed, hug- 
ging her treasure tight, and covering the scarred 
face with kisses ; I can’t give you diphtheria. 


EDITH’S BIRTHDAY 


231 


because you are only a doll, but I might give it 
to Edith and Harry if I stayed. I’m dreadfully 
scared, Dorothea, but oh, I will try not to be a 
baby.” 

Three minutes later, a resolute little figure, in 
a white muslin dress and a black straw hat, was 
walking rapidly down the path to the front gate. 

It was after six when Edith reached home, 
for the party had decided to return by a different 
road, and a punctured tire had caused consider- 
able delay. She found that her brother had 
arrived before her, and was smoking a cigar on 
the piazza. 

Where’s Peggy?” was Edith’s first question, 
as the automobile puffed away down the street. 

I don’t know,” said Harry ; “ I haven’t seen 
her, but I only came in ten minutes ago.” 

‘‘ I had no idea we should be gone so long,” 
Edith explained. I hated to leave the poor 
little girl alone all the afternoon. I’ll go and 
see where she is.” 

Wait a minute,” said Harry, who was look- 
ing unusually serious. 

Sit down ; there’s something I want to talk 
to you about.” 

Edith sat down obediently, although she was 
a little surprised by the request. 


232 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


It’s about Peggy,” Harry went on, not with- 
out some embarrassment. Pve been thinking 
of it all day, and — well, the fact is, I can’t bear 
the idea of packing the little thing off to Cali- 
fornia again. We are her nearest relatives, and 
it seems to me that it’s our duty to look after 
her, not Aunt Mary’s. She’s fond of us, and 
for my part, I don’t want to give her up, and 
that’s the long and short of it.” 

Harry paused, flushing with embarrassment, 
and glanced anxiously at his sister. Somewhat 
to his surprise, he saw that Edith was smiling. 

** I always said you and I were perfectly suited 
to each other, Harry,” she said, laying her hand 
affectionately on her brother’s shoulder. “ It’s 
very funny, but do you know, dear? I’ve been 
thinking about Peggy all day too, and I came 
home fully intending to tell you that I had made 
up my mind to keep her, provided you had no 
objection.” 

Edith, you’re a brick ! ” exclaimed Harry, 
his honest face beaming with satisfaction. “ I 
was half afraid to mention the subject, for fear 
you might not see it in the same way that I did. 
Of course keeping the kid does involve a good 
deal of responsibility, but she is our own little 
sister, and — confound it ! I couldn’t bear the look 


EDITH'S BIRTHDAY 


233 


in her eyes when you were telling her about Aunt 
Mary’s letter this morning. I believe I’m get- 
ting silly over the baby, after all.” 

** I know I am,” said Edith laughing. “ I be- 
lieve she is the dearest child in the world, and 
when it came to actually writing to those people, 
and arranging for them to take her back to Cali- 
fornia, why, I simply couldn’t do it. Now I’ll 
go and find her, and tell her the good news. It 
will make her happy, I know, and I shall be hap- 
pier myself when I can get that look you men- 
tion out of my thoughts, for it has been haunting 
me all day.” 

Harry smiled, well satisfied, and took up the 
evening paper, while his sister hurried into the 
house, calling pleasantly, “ Peggy, Peggy dear, 
where are you ? ” 

But Harry had not read his paper in peace 
many minutes, when he found Edith once more 
at his side. One glance at her white, horrified 
face was sufficient to cause the paper to drop un- 
heeded at his feet. 

“ Good heavens ! Edith, what ? ” 

“ Read that,” cried Edith, thrusting a sheet 
of paper into his hand. It’s all my fault. 
Maurice warned me to tell Peggy to keep away 
from the Winklers’, and I forgot. She tried to 


234 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


tell me something about it this morning, I know, 
but I was in too great a hurry to listen. Oh, 
Harry, what shall I do — what shall I do? She 
loves us so, and I — oh, I can never forgive my- 
self ! ” And poor Edith broke down completely, 
and burst into a passion of tears. 


CHAPTER XV 


Peggy’s quest 

F or several minutes Peggy walked on rap- 
idly, her one desire being to get as far 
as possible from home before anybody 
recognized her, but at the corner of the street 
she paused uncertainly. It had all been so sud- 
den; she had not taken a moment to think; but 
now it suddenly occurred to her, with a shock, 
that she had not the least idea where to find a 
hospital. 

If Dr. Rutherford were only at home,” she 
said to herself, he would tell me where to go. 
He wouldn’t let me give Edith diphtheria, I 
know, but I’m afraid to go to that Dr. Johnson. 
He doesn’t know Edith, and he might make me 
go home again. Perhaps there isn’t any hospital 
in Montclair at all. Perhaps I shall have to go 
all the way to New York to find one.” 

That was a dreadful thought, for Peggy had 
never travelled alone in her life, and her recol- 
235 


236 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


lection of the big, noisy city was very fright- 
ening.” Still, anything was better than running 
the risk of being sent home, and with a sudden 
determination that was almost heroic, she quick- 
ened her steps, and turned toward the railway 
station. 

A group of children were playing on the side- 
walk just in front of her, and at sight of them 
Peggy hastily crossed to the opposite side of the 
street. 

I might give it to them,’’ she said, with a 
shudder. ‘‘ Oh, I don’t want to make any one 
ill.” And suddenly, the poor little girl began to 
cry. But in a moment she had choked back the 
tears. If people saw her crying, they might ask 
awkward questions, and the thing she chiefly 
wished to avoid was being questioned. 

In the first excitement of Miss Foster’s news, 
she had almost forgotten her headache, but now, 
as she trudged rapidly towards the station, she 
became conscious of the fact that the pain had 
grown worse, and that her throat was getting 
very sore indeed. She plodded bravely on, how- 
ever, and reached her destination without meet- 
ing any one she knew. 

There were only a few people about the sta- 
tion at that time of the afternoon, and the ticket 


PEGGY’S QUEST 


237 


agent apparently saw nothing unusual in a pret- 
tily dressed little girl, with flushed cheeks and 
heavy eyes, asking for a ticket to New York. 
Fortunately, the fare was only thirty cents, for 
Peggy's purse contained but forty-five, the sole 
remains of the five dollars Aunt Mary had given 
her for spending money. All the rest had gone 
for candy, for ice cream soda, and flowers for 
Edith. Fifteen cents is not a large sum with 
which to enter a big, strange city, but Peggy 
never thought of that. She was only too thank- 
ful to find an empty seat in the waiting train, 
and to rest her aching head against the cushioned 
back. 

In a few minutes the train began to move, but 
there were not many people in the car, and none 
of them appeared to take any notice of Peggy. 
She leaned back in her corner, with closed eyes, 
and before long fell into a feverish doze. She 
thought she was back in California, and that 
Fraulein was standing beside her, telling her it 
was time to get up, and woke with a start to find 
the conductor leaning over her, saying pleas- 
antly — 

‘‘ Wake up, little girl ; we're in Hoboken.” 

struggled to her feet, feeling dizzy and 

confused. 


238 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

‘‘What’s Hoboken?” she inquired, looking 
about her in a bewildered way. 

“ The place where you get off the train and 
take the ferry,” the conductor answered, regard- 
ing her curiously. “ I guess you ain’t used to 
travelling by yourself.” 

“ No, I’m not ” said Peggy ; “ I never travelled 
alone before.” 

“Folks going to meet you at the ferry?” 

Something in the conductor’s manner caused 
Peggy an uncomfortable fear. Suppose he were 
to insist on taking her back to Montclair ? 

“ I’m all right, thank you,” she said, primly, 
and without another word she turned and walked 
out of the car. The conductor looked after her a 
little anxiously. 

“ Queer young one,” he said to himself ; “ I 
hope she ain’t lost. Didn’t seem to like being 
asked questions, but she’s small to be going about 
the country with nobody to look after her.” 

Peggy’s hands and feet were cold, and her 
knees shook so that walking was not easy, but 
she struggled bravely on, following the line of 
people to the ferry boat. There she selected a 
seat as far removed as possible from any one 
else^ and while the boat steamed across the river. 


PEGGrS QUEST 


239 


she tried to decide on some plan of action; but 
her head ached so that it was hard work to think, 
and her ideas kept getting twisted and confused, 
so that when they reached the New York side, 
and all the people rose from their seats, she was 
no nearer a solution of her difficulty than she had 
been at first. 

Oh, the dreadful crowd! the noise! the con- 
fusion, as Peggy stepped off the ferry boat into 
the busy New York street. It was after five, 
and already the suburban rush had begun. The 
poor child was pushed and jostled until she be- 
came utterly bewildered. 

‘‘ I don’t know where to go ; oh, I don’t know 
where to go ! ” she moaned, and it was no use any 
longer to try to keep back those babyish tears. 
** The hospital may be ever so far away, and I 
feel so very ill.” 

Then a terrible longing came over her — the 
longing to see some one she knew — some one 
who would take care of her. Not Edith or 
Harry; that would never do, but some one who 
would speak kindly to her, and take her to a 
place where she could lie down and be quiet. 
She thought of Aunt Mary; Fraulein; Joanna; 
even the disagreeable Christine. But alas ! there 


240 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


was not one familiar face in all that throng of 
hurrying people, and in a few moments she began 
to move slowly along the street. 

ril have to ask a policeman,” she decided. 

Policemen always know everything.” 

But it took a good deal of courage to address 
one of those tall persons in uniform, and she let 
two policemen pass without speaking to them. 
But as she saw a third approaching, she made a 
mighty effort, and stepping forward, addressed 
him in a very timid little voice. 

“ Please, Mr. Policeman, will you tell me where 
I can find a hospital? ” 

She spoke so low that the man did not catch 
the words, but he bent down and asked her what 
she wanted. Peggy repeated her question. 

Hospital,” the policeman said, looking puz- 
zled. “ What do you want to go to a hospital 
for?” 

Because I think Pve got diphtheria,” said 
Peggy, simply. 

The policeman gave a slight start, and looked 
at her more intently. 

‘‘ Who sent you to the hospital ? ” he inquired, 
sharply. 

“ Nobody sent me,” said Peggy. Pm going 
all by myself, because I don’t want to give it to 



“Please, Mr. Policeman, will you tell me where I can find 
a hospital ?” — Page 240. 








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PEGGY^S QUEST 241 

my sister and brother. They don’t know I’m 
doing it.” 

“ Where did you come from ? ” the policeman 
inquired, with growing interest. 

Peggy hesitated. 

“ I’d rather not tell you, if you don’t mind,” 
she said. 

Why not? ” 

‘‘ Because I don’t want my sister to know till 
I’m in the hospital. She might make me come 
home, and then I might give her diphtheria.” 

‘‘ What makes you think you’ve got diphtheria, 
eh?” 

** Because some people I know have it, and I 
was with one of them when she was ill. Be- 
sides, my throat is sore, and I feel very badly in- 
deed.” Here Peggy broke down, and began to 
cry again. 

‘‘ Look here,” said the policeman, kindly ; 
don’t you cry now, and I’ll see to you all right.” 

Peggy made an effort to check her sobs, but 
she was really feeling very ill, poor child, and 
it was all so strange and terrible. At that mo- 
ment they were joined by a second policeman. 

“ What’s the matter ? ” he inquired, glancing 
at Peggy. Lost ? ” 

** I guess so,” returned Peggy’s first acquain- 


242 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


tance. Queer little kid. Thinks she’s got 
diphtheria, and wants to go to a hospital. Says 
her folks don’t know about it.” 

What are you going to do with her ? ” the 
new policeman inquired, moving a little further 
away as he spoke. 

Take her to the station house, and let the 
doctor there find out what’s the matter with her. 
Then hunt up her friends if I can.” 

Peggy heard the words distinctly, for the po- 
liceman had evidently not considered it necessary 
to lower his voice, and her heart gave a great 
frightened bound. The station house! that was 
the place where wicked people were taken and 
locked up. Forgetful of everything else in the 
world but the terror of that one thought, Peggy 
turned and fled. 

She ran as she' had never run before in her 
life, fear giving strength to her shaking knees. 
People pushed against her, almost knocked her 
down, but she scarcely noticed them. Instinc- 
tively she had turned in the direction in which 
the greater number of people were going. She 
had a wild idea of escaping, of being lost in the 
crowd, for that dreadful policeman would follow 
her she felt quite sure. Before she had realized 
where she was going, she had reached the ferry 


PEGGrS QUEST 


243 


house, darted inside, and dropped, panting, 
breathless, almost fainting, on a bench. 

Look, Maurice ; isn’t that little Peggy Lee ? 
To be sure it is. Why, Peggy dear, where did 
you come from ? Is Edith with you ? ” 

At the sound of the kind, familiar voice, Peggy 
sprang to her feet, with a cry of joy and relief. 

It’s Mrs. Rutherford, and the doctor too. 
Oh, I am so very glad to see you. You won’t 
let him take me to the station house, will you ? ” 
As she spoke, Peggy pointed, with a shudder, 
to the policeman, who had promptly followed her 
into the waiting-room, and now stood regarding 
proceedings with much interest. 

The station house ! ” repeated Mrs. Ruther- 
ford, in amazement. Of course not. But 
Peggy, my dear child, what is the matter — are 
you lost ? ” 

She sat down on the bench, and would have 
put her arm around the trembling child, but to 
her surprise, Peggy shrank away from her. * 
‘‘You mustn’t, oh, you mustn’t!” she cried, 
wildly. “If people come near me I may give 
it to them, and I don’t want anybody to die.” 

Mrs. Rutherford gasped in helpless bewilder- 
ment, but her son now came to the rescue, and 
seating himself on the bench beside Peggy, re- 


244 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


gardless of her protestations, he took her hand 
firmly in his. 

Now, Peggy,'' he said, quietly, you must 
try not to be so excited. Tell us all about every- 
thing, and in the first place, where is Edith ? " 

‘‘ She went automobiling with Miss Robinson," 
said Peggy, who was beginning to feel wonder- 
fully calm and reassured by the doctor’s pres- 
ence. 

“ Then she didn’t come in town with you ? 
Who brought you here ? " 

‘'No one," said Peggy; “I came by myself. 
I had to come to find a hospital, because I didn’t 
know if there were any in Montclair." 

“ A hospital ! " the doctor repeated incredu- 
lously. “ Why in the world did you want to find 
a hospital ? " 

“ Because I couldn’t stay at home and give 
Edith diphtheria, the way that boy did, who gave 
it to your sister Alice. I got it from Minna 
Winkler, but it wasn’t Tilly’s fault, because she 
didn’t know what the matter was. I know I’ve 
got it, because my throat is so very sore, and I 
feel so ill. Oh, Dr. Rutherford, you will take 
me to a hospital, won’t you? I can’t go home 
and give it to Edith." Here poor little Peggy’s 
self-control gave way, and she burst into tears. 


PEGGrS QUEST 


245 


Dr. Rutherford put his strong arm round her, 
as he looked anxiously into the flushed little face. 
When he spoke next, his voice was not quite 
steady. 

“ Do you mean, Peggy, that you have come 
all the way to New York by yourself, when you 
were not feeling well, simply to prevent your 
sister’s running the risk of taking diphtheria?” 

Yes,” said Peggy, letting her aching head 
rest on her kind friend’s shoulder, and smil- 
ing faintly at Mrs. Rutherford, who was gazing 
down at her, with loving, troubled eyes. I 
was so afraid I might give it to Edith; she’s so 
sweet and dear, and I’m afraid I’ve been a bother, 
though she says I haven’t.” 

** Peggy,” said Dr. Rutherford, hoarsely ; 
you are the dearest, most unselfish little girl I 
have ever known. Now I want you to let me 
look at your throat, and if I find there is any- 
thing the matter, I promise I will take you to a 
hospital, where kind people will take care of you 
until you are well again.” 

The doctor’s face grew very grave when he 
had examined Peggy’s throat, and after saying 
a few words to his mother in a low voice, he 
hurried away, leaving Peggy alone with Mrs. 
Rutherford. Peggy would still have kept as far 


246 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


away from her friend as possible, but this Mrs. 
Rutherford would not allow. 

I am not afraid, Peggy darling,” she said, 
tenderly ; ‘‘ I nursed my little Alice, and I had 
diphtheria myself many years ago.” And then 
she gathered the child in her arms, and sitting 
there in the crowded waiting room, with the peo- 
ple hurrying by, Peggy poured out her poor little 
story. She told of her visit to the Winklers’; 
of what Miss Foster had said, and of the terrible 
fear that had driven her away from home. 

In a little while Dr. Rutherford returned, and 
taking Peggy in his arms, carried her out to 
where a cab was waiting. 

'' Are we going to the hospital ? ” Peggy asked, 
as she was placed gently in a corner of the cab, 
and her two friends got in beside her. 

We are going to one of the best hospitals in 
the world,” said the doctor cheerfully, and you 
are going to get well so fast that you will be 
at home again before you realize you have been 
away at all.” 

Peggy’s face brightened. 

Pm glad,” she said, because you see, I have 
to go back to California the first of July, and 
there are only sixteen more days. I do want to 
be with Edith just as long as I possibly can. Do 


PEGGY’S QUEST 247 

you think I shall be well enough to go home on 
Monday ? 

Dr. Rutherford did not answer, but he sud- 
denly found it necessary to put his head out of 
the cab window, to give a direction to the driver, 
and his mother took Peggy’s hot little hand in 
hers, and stroked it gently. 

Half an hour later Peggy was lying in a little 
white bed, in a private room of one of the large 
New York hospitals. A young lady, in the uni- 
form of a professional nurse, was bathing her 
face and hands with cool water. 

I think I feel a little better,” said Peggy, 
with a grateful smile. I hope I’m not going to 
die.” 

Die ! what nonsense ! ” cried the young lady, 
so cheerfully, that Peggy felt very much relieved. 
‘‘ You are going to be a good, brave little girl, 
and take your medicine, and let me spray your 
throat, and you’ll be well again in just no time 
at all. See, here comes Dr. Rutherford to tell 
you the same thing.” 

Did you let Edith know where I am?” in- 
quired Peggy, eagerly, as the doctor came to the 
bedside, and took her hand. 

Yes, I telephoned at once. Edith and Harry 
are both very much distressed about you.” 


248 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


Are they ? ’’ said Peggy, and she could not 
help feeling pleasantly impressed by this intelli- 
gence. You won’t let Edith come here, will 
you ? ” she added, anxiously. 

No, my darling ; Edith shall not be exposed 
to the danger from which you have saved her; 
that I promise you,” the doctor answered, in a 
tone of such deep earnestness that Peggy was 
quite satisfied. 


CHAPTER XVI 


PEGGY COMES HOME 

I T was more than three weeks later, and 
^ very frail, pale-faced little 
Peggy — was still occupying the little room 
in the great New York hospital. She was no 
longer in bed, however, but sitting up in a com- 
fortable easy chair, while the sweet-faced nurse 
read aloud to her. 

‘‘ That’s a very nice story,” said Peggy, as 
Miss Simpson paused to turn a page, ‘‘ but I 
think I’m a little bit tired of being read to, if you 
don’t mind. You see. I’ve got so much to think 
about to-day. Isn’t it ’most time for Mrs. Ruth- 
erford?” 

Miss Simpson looked at her watch. 

‘‘Almost time,” she said smiling. “Are you 
so very anxious to go away from us, Peggy?” 
Peggy blushed. 

“ You’ve been very kind,” she said, gratefully, 
“ and I haven’t minded having diphtheria nearly 
249 


250 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


as much as I thought I was going to, but I 
haven’t seen my own precious sister for such a 
long time.” 

Your sister has been to the hospital every 
day,” Miss Simpson said, ‘‘ but Dr. Rutherford 
gave strict orders that she was not to be allowed 
to see you.” 

‘‘I know,” said Peggy; ‘‘I told him to. 
You’re quite sure it’s safe for me to go home 
to-day? I couldn’t possibly give her diphtheria 
now, could I ? ” 

Not possibly,” said the nurse, with decision. 

Peggy leaned back in her chair, with a happy 
little sigh. 

“ It’s past the first of July,” she said, ‘‘ and 
I was to have gone back to California last week, 
but Dr. Rutherford says I’m not to go yet. I’m 
so happy about it. Perhaps they will let me stay 
two whole weeks longer, to make up for all the 
days I’ve missed being here. I don’t seem to 
remember much about the first few days after I 
came. Was I very ill Miss Simpson?” 

‘‘ You were very ill indeed,” said Miss Simp- 
son. 

O dear ! I hope Edith wasn’t worried. Dr. 
Rutherford took splendid care of me, didn’t he? ” 

Indeed he did. He seems quite devoted to 


PEGGY COMES HOME 251 

you, and Mrs. Rutherford, too. She was here 
almost every day, with your sister, and your 
brother came several times too.” 

Did he, really ? ” said Peggy, looking much 
pleased. Harry is such a busy gentleman, that 
I didn’t suppose he would have time. Fm sure 
he must like me a little, to take so much trouble, 
but Fm afraid he thinks Fm a dreadful baby.” 

“No one who saw how brave and patient you 
were all through your illness could possibly think 
that,” said the nurse, and she bent forward to 
give the thin little hand an affectionate pat. 

Just then there was a knock at the door, and 
in answer to Miss Simpson’s “ Come in,” Mrs. 
Rutherford appeared, bright and smiling. 

“ Well, Peggy,” she said, kissing the little girl 
with motherly tenderness, “ are you ready to 
come back to Montclair to-day? Maurice will 
be here for us in an hour, and we are both going 
to take you home.” 

Peggy smiled happily, but next moment she 
looked a little troubled. 

“ Are you sure they really want me ? ” she 
asked, anxiously. “ Fm not very strong yet, you 
know, and Fm afraid I may be a good deal of 
trouble. Edith is so very busy, and I don’t think 
she likes being bothered.” 


252 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


My darling/^ said Mrs. Rutherford, smiling, 
when you have seen your sister for five min- 
utes, you will be quite sure on that point. Poor 
Edith has been breaking her heart about you; 
she can scarcely wait to get you back.” 

Peggy’s eyes shone with delight, but she made 
no remark, and Mrs. Rutherford changed the sub- 
ject by saying, kindly 

** I went to see the Winklers yesterday. They 
are out of quarantine, and all doing finely.” 

Oh, Pm so glad,” cried Peggy. I was so 
afraid they might die. Did they all have diph- 
theria?” ^ 

‘‘ No, only Minna and Tilly. A neighbor took 
Cora and the boy away. Tilly was very ill, but 
she is getting well fast now. You ought to have 
seen their delight over the basket of fruit Edith 
sent them.” 

It was all very delightful, but Peggy was un- 
usually quiet while she was being dressed for her 
journey, and even when Dr. Rutherford arrived, 
she found very little to say. 

There were actually tears in Miss Simpson’s 
eyes when she bade her little patient good-bye, 
and she eagerly accepted Mrs. Rutherford’s kind 
invitation to come and see them at Montclair. 

She is the dearest cliild I ever nursed,” she 


PEGGY COMES HOME 


253 


told Dr. Rutherford, and though the doctor said 
nothing in reply, he looked very much as though 
he agreed with her. 

The journey was a tiring one to Peggy, and 
she fell asleep almost as soon as they were in the 
train, and did not wake again till Dr. Ruther- 
ford roused her to say it was time to get out. 
But when they had left the train, and were driv- 
ing through the familiar streets in a comfortable 
carriage, she was wide awake, and sat leaning 
eagerly forward straining her eyes for the first 
glimpse of the dear home faces. 

There's Edith on the piazza, and, oh, there's 
Harry too ! " she cried joyfully, as the carriage 
turned in at the Lees' gate. “ How funny for 
Harry to be at home so early. Why, I think 
Edith's crying. There isn't anything the mat- 
ter, is there ? " 

‘‘ No, no, my dear," said Mrs. Rutherford, re- 
assuringly. If Edith is crying, it is only for 
joy. She is so happy at getting you home 
again." 

Peggy stared in amazement at this astounding 
explanation, but before she could say another 
word the carriage had stopped. Dr. Rutherford 
would have lifted her out, but Harry was down 
the steps, and had his little sister in his arms. 


254 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


almost before the horses had come to a stand- 
still. 

‘‘ Well, Peg-Top, this is good,’' he said, and 
that was all, but there was a look in his face that 
caused Peggy to give a little gasp of joyful aston- 
ishment. Was it possible that Harry — merry, 
teasing Harry — really loved her very much ? But 
next moment she had almost forgotten her 
brother in the rapture of Edith’s embrace. 

“ Oh, Peggy, my dear, brave, precious little 
Peggy ! ” Edith murmured, holding her little sis- 
ter close, while the happy tears streamed down 
her cheeks. Have you really come back to us 
at last ? Oh, Peggy darling, how I have suffered 
and blamed myself for it all ! But you will for- 
give me, dear, I know you will, and I’ll try to be 
a better sister to you in future.” 

What need to ask for forgiveness, with those 
loving little arms clinging round her neck; that 
radiant face pressed close to hers? In that one 
moment the two sisters drew closer to each other 
than in all the weeks they had spent under thf 
same roof. 

‘‘ Edith,” said Peggy, an hour later, when the 
Rutherfords had gone, and she was comfortably 
settled on the parlor sofa, with her sister sitting 


PEGGY COMES HOME 


255 


beside her, holding her hands, would you mind 
telling me something ? ” 

“ What is it, my pet? 

Well,” said Peggy, slowly, the wistful, old- 
fashioned expression coming back into her face; 
‘‘ I think it’s better for people to know when 
things are going to happen, so they won’t mind 
as much as they do when they hear about them 
suddenly. So I thought perhaps you wouldn’t 
mind telling me just how many days it will be 
before I have to go back to California.” 

‘‘ Oh, Peggy darling, hush ; I can’t bear it ! ” 
Edith’s tone was sharp with remorse, but Peggy 
did not understand, and her poor little heart sank 
with a dreadful forboding. 

“You mean — you think it’s got to be very 
soon,” she faltered, timidly. “ Oh, Edith, please 
don’t cry. I’ll try not to mind very much. Of 
course you’ll have to send me when you know 
somebody is going.” 

“ Peggy,” sobbed Edith, gathering her little 
sister in her arms ; “ listen to me ; I’ve got some- 
thing to tell you. It isn’t anything sad, though 
I’m such a goose that I can’t help crying. That 
day I went to Pompton with Agnes Robinson — 
the day you went away, dear — Harry and I both 
decided that we couldn’t send you back to Cali- 


256 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


fornia. We didn’t realize how dearly we loved 
you until we thought of giving you up. We 
talked it over on the piazza when I came home, 
and I went upstairs to tell you. I called, but 
you didn’t answer, and then I found your note on 
my cushion. After that — oh, Peggy, you don’t 
know how terrible it all was, and how Harry and 
I reproached ourselves! And now, darling, that 
you have been given back to us, safe and well, 
do you think anything in the world could induce 
us to let you go again ? ” 

Peggy’s eyes were filled with a great, incred- 
ulous joy. 

You mean — you mean ” she stammered. 

‘‘ I mean that your home is always to be here 
in Montclair, with Harry and me. I have writ- 
ten Aunt Mary all about it, and she thinks I am 
quite right. Why, Peggy, my precious, don’t 
cry so. Aren’t you glad? ” 

“ I didn’t know before that people cried when 
they were glad,” said Peggy, smiling through 
her tears ; “ but Mrs. Rutherford said that was 
what made you cry, and I can’t help crying, 
though I never was so glad before in my life.” 

“ Harry,” said Peggy, solemnly, when her 
brother came in a few minutes later, to carry her 
upstairs; Dr. Rutherford having decreed that his 


PEGGY COMES HOME 


2S; 

patient should be put to bed before dinner ; I 
think it’s very splendid of you to let me stay 
here always.” 

“ Bosh ! ” said Harry, but he bent and kissed 
the radiant little face, very tenderly. 

“ Yes, it is,” Peggy persisted. “ I know I was 
a baby sometimes, and you don’t like babies. 
Maud said boys never did, and I don’t suppose 
gentlemen do either. I’m afraid I can’t always 
help being scared about some things, but I will 
try not to be a — a ’f raid-cat.” 

Peggy,” said Harry, huskily, you are the 
bravest little girl I have ever heard of. I would 
like to find another kid of your size who would 
have done what you did; gone away by herself 
when she was ill, to prevent exposing her sister 
to a dangerous illness. Everyone in Montclair 
is talking about you; you’re the heroine of the 
hour, Peggy, and — confound it — I’m proud of 
you.” 

It was a very happy Peggy who fell asleep 
that night, and awoke next morning to a day of 
new and wonderful experiences. In the first 
place, Edith would not let her get up early, but 
brought her breakfast herself, and sat by her 
while she ate it, chatting all the time in her bright, 
fascinating way. Then Harry came upstairs to 


Brave little peggy 


kiss her good-bye, before starting for the city ; an 
unheard of attention on his part. Next came a 
bunch of beautiful roses from Miss Foster, and 
a little later a bowl of delicious wine jelly from 
Miss Robinson’s mother. 

“ What makes everybody so kind ? ” Peggy 
asked, wonderingly, as she lay watching Edith 
arrange Miss Foster’s roses. 

‘'Because everybody loves you,” was Edith’s 
smiling reply, that sent the bright, embarrassed 
color up into her little sister’s face. 

At about eleven o’clock Peggy was allowed to 
get up, but Edith insisted on dressing her her- 
self, being under the impression that the little 
girl still needed a great deal of care. 

“ I must learn to do a great many things be- 
fore you go to Bar Harbor,” Peggy said, “ so I 
can make it nice and comfortable for Harry while 
you are away. I don’t suppose — ” wistfully — 
“ that I could possibly keep house? ” 

“ I am sure you could,” said Edith laughing, 
“ and probably do it much better than I ; but as 
it happens, you won’t have a chance to try, be- 
cause I am not going to Bar Harbor.” 

“Not going? Oh, Edith, why?” 

“ Well, for several reasons, but chiefly because 
Harry has decided to take a vacation in August, 


PEGGY COMES HOME 


259 


and we are going to try some place not quite so 
far away.’" 

** But won’t you be dreadfully disappointed? ” 
Peggy asked, anxiously. 

“ Not the least bit,” Edith assured her. ** In 
fact, I like the present plan much better. You 
will be with us, and — and I have an idea Maurice 
and his mother are coming too.” 

How lovely ! ” cried Peggy, joyfully. You 
can’t think how good Dr. Rutherford was when I 
was ill. I love Mrs. Rutherford very much, too, 
and she says I’m like her little Alice, but I’m 
glad I didn’t die when I had diphtheria, the way 
Alice did. I think I love the Rutherfords next 
best to you and Harry.” 

Edith said nothing, but she stooped and gave 
her little sister an impulsive kiss. 

How pink your cheeks are,” remarked Peggy, 
innocently. ‘‘ It’s a very warm day, isn’t it? ” 

Before Edith could reply, the toot of an auto- 
mobile horn was heard, and Peggy ran to the 
window, to see who was coming. 

“ It’s Dr. Rutherford,” she announced, peep- 
ing through the blinds. Is he coming to see 
me, Edith ? ” But Edith had already left the 
room. 

She was gone so long that Peggy — who was 


26 o 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


still rather weak — stretched herself comfortably 
on the sofa, and had almost dropped into a doze 
before her sister returned, followed by the doc- 
tor. 

Well, little girl, and how are you feeling 
this morning ? ’’ Dr. Rutherford asked, drawing 
a chair to her side, and taking her hand in his. 

“ Fm very well indeed,’’ said Peggy, smiling. 

I didn’t wake up once all night, and I was so 
hungry for breakfast. Edith wouldn’t let Joanna 
bring it up. She did it all herself. Wasn’t she 
good ? ” 

Very good indeed,” agreed the doctor, with 
such a significant glance at Edith, that she be- 
came suddenly very busy arranging the things on 
the bureau. ‘‘ Where do you think I have been 
this morning ? ” 

“ I don’t know,” said Peggy, looking inter- 
ested. 

To see the Winklers. I thought I would 
stop and inquire how they were getting on, and 
I am happy to say, they are doing finely. Minna 
is as well, and almost as fat as ever. Poor Tilly 
has had a hard time of it, and is still pretty weak, 
but she is a plucky little girl, and she will be quite 
strong again in a few weeks. She has been 
greatly distressed about you. She says you 


PEGGY COMES HOME 


261 


would never have caught diphtheria if she hadn’t 
let you see Minna.” 

But she didn’t know Minna had it,” said 
Peggy, eager to vindicate her friend. “ It wasn’t 
her fault.” 

“Of course it wasn’t; that’s just what I’ve 
been telling her, but I don’t believe she will be 
quite satisfied until she sees for herself that you 
are all right. I told her she must come and have 
a look at you as soon as she is strong enough.” 

Peggy flushed with pleasure. 

“ I’d love to see her,” she said, “ for I admire 
her very much, but perhaps Edith wouldn’t like 
to have her come again.” 

“ Oh, yes, she would,” said the doctor, smiling. 
“ Tilly is a fine girl, and her mother is a very 
respectable, deserving woman. But I didn’t 
come on purpose to talk about the Winklers. this 
morning. I came to ask you a favor.” 

“A favor?” repeated Peggy, incredulously; 
“ what kind of a favor ? ” 

“ Well, it’s a rather important one. In fact, 
it is so important to me that if you won’t grant 
it I shall be very unhappy.” 

“ But I will, of course I will ! ” cried Peggy. 
“ Oh, Dr. Rutherford, please tell me what it is.” 

“ Well,” said the doctor, slowly, and he 


262 


BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 


glanced at Edith, who suddenly left the bureau, 
and came over to his side ; I want to know, 
Peggy, if you will have me for a brother? ” 

A brother?’' said Peggy, her eyes opening 
wide in astonishment. Why, Pd just love it, 
but I don’t see how you could be. You’re not 
any relation of ours, are you ? ” 

'' Not just now, but I hope I may become one 
before very long.” As he spoke. Dr. Rutherford 
slipped an arm round Edith’s waist, and kissed 
her. 

For a moment Peggy sat gazing at the two 
happy faces, in puzzled bewilderment. Then 
suddenly, a suspicion of the truth flashed into 
her mind. 

“ You mean you’re going to marry Edith ? ” 
she cried, eagerly. Oh, is that really it? ” 

Dr. Rutherford nodded. 

** Will you give your consent ? ” he asked, smil- 
ing. 

Peggy’s answer was to fling her arms impetu- 
ously round his neck, and hug him. 

‘‘ Pm so glad — so glad ! ” she cried. I think 
it’s the very loveliest thing that could possibly 
happen, and if you are my brother, what relation 
will your mother be ? ” 

‘‘ Well, she will be Edith’s mother,” said the 



‘•You mean you’re going- to marry Edith?” she cried, 

eagerly. — Page 262 . 






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PEGGY COMES HOME 


263 


doctor, returning Peggy’s embrace heartily, “ and 
that will make her your — what will it make her, 
Edith?” 

Edith laughed and said she didn’t know, but 
Peggy — who was seldom at a loss for an idea — 
settled the question by saying 

“ Well, she won’t be my mother exactly, but 
she’ll be a kind of a half-mother, I guess. I’ve 
wanted a mother for such a long time, and I’d 
rather have Mrs. Rutherford for a half-mother 
than some ladies for a whole one. Oh, isn’t 
it beautiful to have so many lovely relations ? A 
sister and two brothers, and a half-mother.” 

And you have a home, too, Peggy,” the doc- 
tor said, laying his hand tenderly on the little 
girl’s head ; for Edith and I have fully decided 
that we can’t possibly get on without you, so 
you are always to live with us.” 

‘"Dorothea,” said Peggy, that afternoon, as 
she lay on the sofa, cuddling her forlorn treasure 
in her arms, while Edith received visits of con- 
gratulation downstairs ; “ I think the world is a 
very beautiful place indeed. I’m so glad I didn’t 
die of diphtheria, for then I should never have 
known about all the lovely things that are going 
to happen. There are three of them. First, 


264 BRAVE LITTLE PEGGY 

Edith is going to marry Dr. Rutherford, and I’d 
rather have him for my brother than any gentle- 
man I ever knew. Then, I’m always to live here 
in Montclair, and go to school, and have friends, 
and see my precious Edith every day. But I 
think the third is the best of all, and that is about 
Harry. Oh, Dorothea dear, he doesn’t think 
I’m a coward any more, and he said such a beau- 
tiful thing to me yesterday. I did want to be 
brave, and have Harry admire me, but I didn’t 
think I could possibly be. I didn’t know 
it was brave to go away, and not let Edith 
get diphtheria, and I don’t think it was, really, 
because of course I had to do it; but Harry said 
he was proud of me, and I don’t believe, Doro- 
thea, that you have any idea what a very nice 
feeling it gives to have your brother say that.” 


THE END 


705 


4 


Only DoHie 


By Nina Rhoades Illustrated by Bertha Davidson 
Square i2mo Cloth $i.oo 

‘^HIS is a brightly written story of a girl of 
^ twelve, who, when the mystery of her birth 
is solved, like Cinderella, passes from drudgery to 
better circumstances. There is nothing strained 
or unnatural at any point. All descriptions or 
portrayals of character are life-like, and the 
book has an indescribable appealing quality 
which wins sympathy and secures success. 

‘•It is delightful reading at all times .” — Cedar 
Rapids {la.) Republican. 

I; is well written, the story runs smoothly, the idea 
is good, and it is handled with ability. — Chicago 
Joutual, 

The^ Little Girl Next Door 

By Nina Rhoades Large i2mo Cloth Illustrated 
by Bertha Davidson $i.oo 

A DELIGHTFUL story of true and genuine friendship between an 
impulsive little girl in a fine New York home and a little blind girl 
in an apartment next door. The little girl’s determination to cultivate 
the acquaintance, begun out of the window during a rainy day, triumphs 
over the barriers of caste, and the little blind girl proves to be in every 
way a worthy companion. Later a mystery of birth is cleared up, and the 
little blind girl proves to be of gentle birth as well as of gentle manners. 

Winifred’s Neighbors 

By Nina Rhoades Illustrated 
by Bertha G. Davidson Large 
12 mo Cloth $1.00 

T ITTLE Winifred’s efforts to find some 
children of whom she reads in a book 
lead to the acquaintance of a neighbor 
of the same name, and this acquaintance 
proves of the greatest importance to Winifred’s 
own family. Through it all she is just such a 
little girl as other girls ought to know, and 
the story will hold the interest of all ages. 




For sale by all booksellers^ or sent postpaid on receipt 
of price by the publishers 

UOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON 



The Children on the Top Floor 

By Nina Rhoades Large 1 2mo 
Cloth Illustrated by Bertha 
Davidson $i.oo 

this book little Winifred Hamilton, the 
child heroine of “Winifred’s Neighbors,” 
reappears, living in the second of the four 
stories of a New York apartment house. On 
the top floor are two very interesting children, 

Betty, a little older than Winifred, who is now 
ten, and Jack, a brave little cripple, who is a 
year younger. In the end comes a glad re- 
union, and also other good fortune for crippled 
Jack, and Winifred’s kind little heart has once 
more indirectly caused great happiness to others. 

How Barbara Kept Her Promise 

By Nina Rhoades Large i2mo Cloth Illuitrated 
by Bertha Davidson $i.oo 

T WO orphan sisters, Barbara, aged twelve, and little Hazel, who is 
“only eight,” are sent from their early home in London to their 
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that she will take care of pretty, petted, mischievous Hazel, and how she 
tries to do this, even in the face of great difficulties, forms the story which 
has the happy ending which Miss Rhoades wisely gives to all her stories. 



Little Miss Rosamond 


LITTLE, I 

MISS ROSAMOND 

III Jin y i .i .i . . ' I 


By Nina Rhoades Illuf- 
trated by Bertha G. Davidson 
Large i2mo Cloth $i.oo 

OOSAMOND lives in Richmond, Va., 
with her big brother, who cannot 
give her all the comfort that she needs in 
the trying hot weather, and she goes to the 
seaside cottage of an uncle whose home 
is in New York. Here she meets Gladys 
and Joy, so well known in a previous 
book, “The Little Girl Next Door,” and 
after some complications are straightened 
out, bringing Rosamond’s honesty and 
kindness of heart into prominence, all are made very happy. 



HINA RHOADES 


,For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt 
of price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON 


Fifty Flower Friends 

With Familiar Faces 

By EDITH DUNHAM 

A FIELD BOOK FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 

Vith twelve full-page colored plates, decorations and fifty text 
illustrations from nature by W. I. BEECROFT $1.50 


QHILDREN cannot too soon begin to 
know the wild flowers, and here they 
are told in a charming way where and when 
to look for each of fifty widely distributed 
common flowering plants; also how they get 
their names, and how to know them from the 
remarkably accurate drawings of Mr. Beecroft, 
a skilled botanist and superior artist. Each 
of the fifty flowers has a page of accurate 
botanical description in addition to its story. 
Thus the book is suited for varying ages. 



** The greatest praise can be bestowed upon and every mother and father shemid 
have one and by it better educate their children in nature, which will prove not 
only an enjoyable study, but an instructive one.” — Providence News, 


“ Good brief descriptions, good clear pictures, portraits almost, of each flower 
friend, a beautiful cover, convenient arrangement, and flne large print, make a 
perfect book to own, or to give to any one, especially a child .” — Universalist 
Leader* 


” If the children do not learn something new about flowers this summer it may 
be because their unkind parents have not bought them Miss Edith Dunham’s 
‘Fifty Flower Friends.* ” — New I’ork Times, 


‘‘The boy or girl into whose hands this book is placed can hardly fail to acquire 
a real and lasting interest in our every-day wild flowers.” — The Dial, 


‘‘ It has no rival in books of its' kind, either in text or illustration.” — Boston 
Budg^et, 


Por aml9 by alt booksellers or sent postpaid oa receipt ot 
price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON 


LITTLE BETTY BLEW 

Her Strangle Experiences and Adventures 
in Indian Land 

BY ANNIE IVL BARNES 

Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill i2mo Cloth with gold and 
colors 300 pages Price $1.25 

O NE of the very best books with 
which to satisfy a young reader’s 
natural desire for an “ Indian story ” 
is this one of little Betty Blew and 
what she saw and experienced when 
her family removed from Dorchester, 
Mass., two hundred years ago, to 
their home on the Ashley River above 
Charleston, South Carolina. Although 
Betty is but a small maid she is so 
wise and true that she charms all, and 
there are a number of characters who 
will interest boys as well as girls, and 
old as well as young. 

There are many Indians who figure most importantly in many 
exciting scenes, but the book, though a splendid “ Indian story,” 
is far more than that. It is an unusually entertaining tale of the 
making of a portion of our country, with plenty of information 
as well as incident to commend it, and the account of a delight- 
ful family life in the brave old times. It is good to notice that 
this story is to be the first of a colonial series, which will surely 
be a favorite with children and their parents. Mr. Merrill’s 
illustrations are of unusual excellence, even for that gifted artist, 
and the binding is rich and beautiful. 



For salo by all booksellers^ or sent prepaid on receipt of price 
by the publishers 

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Boston 


The Dorothy Dainty Series 

By AMY BROOKS 

Large i2mo Cloth Illustrated 
BY THE Author Price $i.oo Each 

Dorothy Dainty 
Dorothy*s Playmates 
Dorothy Dainty at School 
Dorothy Dainty at the Shore 
Dorothy Dainty in the City 
Dorothy Dainty at Home 

“Little Dorothy Daintc' is one of the most generous-hearted 
of children. Selfishness is not at all a trait of hers, and she knows 
the value of making sunshine, not alone in her own heart, but for 
her neighbcrV.ood and friends.” — Boston Courier, 

“Dorothy Dainty, a little girl, the only child of wealthy par- 
ents, is an exceedingly interesting character, and her earnest and 
interesting life is full of action and suitable adventure.” 

— Pittsburg Christian Advocate, 

“No finer little lady than Dorothy 
Dainty was ever placed in a book for 
children.” 

— Teachers' Journal^ Pittsburg, 

“ Miss Brooks is a popular writer for 
the very little folks who can read. She 
has an immense sympathy for the chil- 
dren, and her stories never fail to be 
amusing.” 

—Rochester {^N, Y.) Herald. 




LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON 


Cordelia’s Pathway Out 


By Edna A, Foster Editor of 
Children's Page in the “Youth’s 
Companion” Illustrated by Clara 
E. Atwood i2mo Cloth $i.oo 

I N “Cordelia’s Pathway Out” the writer has 
carried along the brilliant little Hortense and 
many of the characters of that story, but has 
brought into prominence the quiet Cordelia, whose 
admiration and love for Hortense act as an incen- 
tive to study and cultivate a desire for growth. 
Early in the story she is transplanted from the 
village in which we first find her, and comes into 
larger living and the bestowal of modest “advan- 
tages.” She is a shy country-bred child, but she observes, imitates and 
applies the best of her own life and the#exercise of loving and homely 
qualities brings her to a desirable plane. 

** It is a perfect book for children from ten to fifteen years of ag’e, or even 
older.” — Untversalist Leader, Boston, 

“The book is a good one for growing girls. Would to Heaven there were 
more of which one might say the same. It is quite above the level of the ordinary 
book of its kind.” — Cincinnati Times Star. 

Hortense 

By Edna A. Foster Illustrated 
by Mary Ayer 12 mo Cloth $1.00 

lyriSS FOSTER has here a book of unusual 
I I excellence, whether viewed as a tale of 
entertainment for a child’s reading or a valuable 
and suggestive study for the education of those 
who have to do with children. The impulsive 
little Hortense wins the reader’s sympathy at 
once, and the experiences of the well-meaning 
young lady relative who attempts to train her up 
according to set rules for well-regulated children 
are very interesting. 

“We would strongly advise all mothers of growing boys and girls to hasten 
to procure a copy of this delightful book for the home library — and, above all, to 
make a point of reading it carefully ^themselves before turning it over to the 
juveniles.” — Designer, New York, N. Y. 

“ It is a truthful and discerning study of a gifted child, and should be read by 
all who have children under their care. It is probably the best new girl’s book 
ttieyear.” — Springfield (Mass.) Republican. 

For tale at all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt 
of price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE, & SHEPARD CO.. BOSTON 




EDNAA-rOSTER 













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